FastStream Interactive acquires ROXi
May 19, 2025
Management at music video streaming service ROXi has completed buy-out of the ROXi business, in partnership with a syndicate of investors. The newly formed company, called FastStream Interactive Limited (FSI), has acquired the business and technology of ROXi – as well as sealing distribution deals with a number of broadcasters, who will bring FSI’s interactive TV channels to audiences across the US.
Rob Lewis, CEO of FastStream, commented: “The new technology, FastStream, will revolutionise broadcast TV. For the first time in history, consumers tuning into a normal TV channel will find they automatically start at the beginning of the programme, and that they are able to skip, pause or search, even though they are watching normal broadcast TV”.
The first FastStream-powered TV Channel to launch will be ROXi, an Interactive TV Music Channel, available free on NEXTGEN TV, allowing TV viewers across America frictionless access to all the music they love, whenever they want, for free, on their TV without the need for an app – and with no registration or subscription required.
The new company has the support of over 100 investors including multiple US broadcasters and prestigious names in music and corporate finance, who see the technology as an opportunity to enhance the broadcast TV experience across America. Shareholders include US broadcasters Sinclair and Gray Media, U2 bassist Adam Clayton, Terra Firma Founder Guy Hands, British billionaire businessman Jim Mellon, and Global Lead of TMT at Rothschilds Warner Mandel.
Skip Flenniken, VP & GM Technology Business Development at Sinclair, commented: “FastStream Interactive will empower Sinclair to deliver a range of cutting edge, fully interactive TV channels. Our viewers across the US will be able to search, skip, and engage with content in a seamless, personalised experience.”
Robert Folliard, SVP of Government Relations & Distribution at Gray Media, said, “Working together with FastStream Interactive, Gray will be introducing fully interactive TV channels to viewers. We see this as a compelling new chapter for TV entertainment and another reason for consumers to be excited about the upcoming NEXTGEN TV transition.”
Advisors included Rockefeller Capital Management and Begbies Traynor Group.
William Drewry, Managing Director and Head of Technology, Media & Telecom in Rockefeller Capital Management’s Investment Banking division, commented: “The successful acquisition of ROXi’s technology platform by FSI will help to ensure this innovative solution can be enjoyed by millions of TV viewers. This transaction could have transformational impacts on the broadcast industry and end-user experience by introducing fully interactive TV channels to NEXTGEN TV without the need for apps, making the platform more attractive to consumers and TV manufacturers alike.”
Asher Miller, Partner at Begbies Traynor Group, added: “BTG’s Global Advisory team are delighted to have supported this transaction which provides a platform for FSI to disrupt the US and UK TV markets. We look forward to seeing the revolutionary impact of FSI on the NEXTGEN TV industry over the coming years.”
FastStream Interactive will also be partnering with Smart TV and pay-TV vendors in the US and Europe to provide interactive TV channel experiences.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Kylie Monogue, Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams were previously named as backers of ROXi when it launched in early 2024.
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