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In this episode CEO SeriesIsabel Rafferty Zavala, Founder and CEO Canela Mediaexplains his strategies that have made him the fastest-growing Latino media company in the U.S.
The flagship product of Canela Media, Canela.TVthe first free streaming service designed specifically for Latinos in the US is now available in Latin America.
Canela.TV offers a big selection of content, from day by day news and entertainment to reality TV and sports programming. This approach has allowed major brands to advertise and connect with the Latino community. Zavala’s vision has transformed Canela Media into a multi-faceted media powerhouse, providing a comprehensive platform for Latino representation.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for media and technology. Before founding Canela Media, she successfully launched and sold one other company, Mobvious. Recognizing a gap in the market for a dedicated streaming service for Latinos, she leveraged her extensive industry contacts and knowledge to create Canela Media.
As a Latina woman, Zavala says she has faced many challenges in raising capital, but her persistence has paid off. Her strategic shift to hunt investors focused on Hispanic and Latino firms, reminiscent of Investors from Angelesled to a successful $3 million seed funding round and then a $32 million Series A round, allowing Canela Media to rapidly expand.
Isabel’s personal and skilled lives seamlessly intertwine. Her experience as a mother influenced the creation of Canela Kids, a platform designed to offer bilingual opportunities for Spanish-speaking children. Programs like “Super Reyes” showcase Latina trailblazers, inspiring young girls to see themselves as successful figures. This alignment of private values and business goals has fueled Canela Media’s success and resonated deeply with her audience.
Zavala’s story is one of resilience and vision. From humble beginnings to leading a media company with 50 million monthly lively users, she has demonstrated the strength of determination and strategic considering. Her ability to discover and meet market needs, combined with her relentless drive, positions Canela Media for continued growth and dominance in the Spanish-language media landscape. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Isabel’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and aligning business goals with personal passions.