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Near Networks Tackles Online Video For Local Businesses

Santa Monica-based Near Networks, a new startup, said today that it has launched a production studio aimed at the online video channel. The firm, which is headed by Sam Rogoway, said it is looking to help local businesses communicate their brands through online video. Rogoway was the founder of TripUp, which was acquired by SideStep (now Kayak). Rogoway also runs Brave New Ventures, a seed stage venture capital investor focused on the media industry. According to Near Networks, it will help connect local businesses with filmmakers, to create YouTube videos, embed video channels on their website or blogs, and to share their videos via social networks. Near Networks said it is looking to overcome the "lack of production quality" in local business video, at a low price point.