 | |
| Type of business | Private |
|---|---|
Type of site | Social network service,microblogging |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Dissolved | 2019 |
| Headquarters | , |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Founder | Michael Downing |
| Industry | Internet industry |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Required (to post, follow or be followed) |
| Launched | April 2010 (2010-04)[1] |
| Current status | Inactive |
Tout was an onlinesocial networking service andmicroblogging service that enabled its users to send and view 15-second videos, known as "touts." The service's core technology was created atSRI International by Michael Downing based on two patents owned by that company.[1][2]
In April 2010, Tout spun off as its own company with SRI taking an equity stake.[2] Tout gained popularity in June 2011 when basketball playerShaquille O'Neal used the service to announce his retirement. By early 2012, Tout had received over 12 million visitors and 75 million Touts had been shared by users of the service.[3]
On July 11, 2012, the company announced a $13.4 million round of Series B funding;professional wrestling promotionWWE participated in the funding round, and announced a two-year strategic partnership with the company.[4][5] During WWECEOVince McMahon's quarterly conference call with investors held on the morning of August 2, WWE CFO George Barrios disclosed the amount of that investment to have been $5 million, but would not disclose what percentage of the company that sum represents.[6][7][8][9]Stephanie McMahon,CBO ofWWE, would appear on the board of directors for Tout.[10]
As part of the strategic partnership, WWE subsequently promoted Tout via its platforms, including encouraging its talent to use the service, and showcasing posts by viewers and WWE talent during segments of its television programs.[11][12][13] However, as Tout proved to be largely unpopular, WWE stopped promoting Tout in early 2013 and let their strategic partnership expire in 2014, after which Tout quickly folded.[14]
Stephanie is a member of the Board of Directors for both the USO Metropolitan Washington and the social media company, Tout, Inc.
Next, Cole introduced a tout from Lesnar saying he came to WWE, conquered everything, and now is leaving and never coming back, which drew some cheers from the live Raw crowd.