Shows
Fuel Your Drive by Josh YorkRich Antoniello Drops Gold for Entrepreneurs | Fuel Your Drive PodcastIn this episode of Fuel Your Drive, I sit down with the brilliant Rich Antoniello, founder of Complex Media. We dive into the mindset behind building a disruptive brand, staying resilient in competitive industries, and how culture and leadership play a massive role in long-term success. Rich breaks down real tactics, lessons from hard-won experience, and what it truly means to be a visionary in today’s digital landscape. If you're building something special, this one's for you. #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipMatters #BusinessGrowthSUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkh-idOsUdPNS9gODy9qUQ ...
2025-08-0452 min
Payne Points of WealthHidden Economic Forces That Will Drive Our Future: A Conversation with Rich AntonielloEpisode 200: Join Ryan, Chris, and Courtney as they dive into a wide-ranging discussion with Rich Antoniello, the visionary Founder & Former CEO of Complex Networks. Rich, now the Executive Chairman at UPROXX Studios and Chairman of FORT NASH, shares his insights on the current state of the economy, the evolution of post-COVID office culture, the real efficiency of AI, and the dynamic media business landscape.
Under Rich's leadership, Complex Networks transformed into a leading youth culture media powerhouse, delivering groundbreaking content across multiple platforms and growing into a multi-brand media empire. Under Rich’s guidance, Complex was...
2025-04-1857 min
On Scope: The Marketing PodcastHow UPROXX is Revolutionizing Branded Content Through Musical Partnerships with Rich AntonielloRich Antoniello has been making waves in the music industry for the last 20 years. But his latest venture with UPROXX Studios might just upend the way marketers think about branded content and music entirely. He joined host Mike Berberich to discuss all things marketing and music, including why many brands seem to get it wrong when it comes to working with musicians, how unexpected partnerships might be a powerful way forward, and what the future of IP looks like in branded content. The pair also looked at an activation UPROXX did with Qualcomm and popular electronic music duo ODESZA...
2025-04-1750 min
Due DiligenceRich Antoniello — Founder of Complex on Building A Legendary Media CompanyRich Antoniello is the founder and former CEO of Complex Networks, a youth culture brand and media company that was founded in 2002 and sold in 2015 to Hearst and Verizon and later in 2021 to BuzzFeed.
Find Rich on Twitter and LinkedIn
Mentioned in the episode:
Collect'd
XSET
Popchew
Female Founder World
2024-12-1156 min
Legends N LeadersRich Antoniello, Founder of Complex, on why shaping culture is so important and how to define it!Rich has shaped the sneaker culture of today by bundling the best of what we all love in Complex and being early to produce high quality network like content for YouTube. He founded Complex and lead the company as CEO, having sold it twice. Rich shares the important of not only covering the news, but how to make trends and understand how to use your influence best. Hope you enjoy!
2023-10-2127 min
Win Big with Clinton Sparks: An advanced audio experienceRich Antoneillo | LESSONS LEARNED FROM BEING A CEO & FATHERLessons Learned from Being a CEO and a Father: The Power of Intellectual Honesty and Authenticity in Business “If you want to be successful and be a differentiator, do more than what was asked of you 100% of the time” - Rich Antoneillo To say Rich is a legend and built one of the most culturally impacting platforms is an understatement. From music, fashion, food, and conferences, Rich led Complex to a global powerhouse. In this episode, Rich Antoniello, CEO of Complex, and Clinton Sparks discuss the challenges of being a leader and the sacrifices that come with building a succes...
2023-06-051h 00
The Matt Gray ShowA Once In A Lifetime Opportunity To Build Wealth Is HERE w/ Rich Antoniello | EP 16Join my free weekly newsletter to get 1 free audience growth tip to scale your online business: https://fos.now/sp-newsletter-0510Join the Founder OS Course to build a proven system for audience growth in 2 hours here:https://fos.now/sp-founder-os-course-0510In this one-hour interview, I had the pleasure of having a great conversation with the legend, Rich Antoniello. Rich Antoniello is a Founder and the Former CEO of Complex Networks, a global media company and one of the most influential voices in popular culture today. In 2016, Rich Antoniello oversaw the acquisition of Complex Me...
2023-05-101h 00
The Best Money I Ever SpentRich Antoniello: "Are You a Definer or a Follower?"For the season 1 finale of The Best Money I Ever Spent, Complex Founder & former CEO Rich Antoniello tells his story of building one of the world's most innovative and successful media brands. Rich shares his advice for differentiating your content, establishing and staying true to a voice, and more. We'll be back with season 2 this fall from a brand new studio in our SoHo office and a massive guest list of some of the biggest names across tech, business, and culture.
2022-09-0450 minPayne Points of WealthFinance and Entrepreneurship with Rich Antoniello, Ep #94What's up! It's episode 94 of Payne Points of Wealth and we have a special and very different episode for you today. We have a good friend Rich Antoniello, on the podcast. He's the former CEO and founder of Complex Media, a company that recently merged with BuzzFeed. Rich talks about the entrepreneurship journey, how he came from humble beginnings back in Brooklyn, and how that impacted his view of finances. He also talks about the state of the financial services industry in general. It's a great interview, Rich is a really charismatic guy, and he's got a pretty cool...
2022-08-3150 min
The Speed of Culture Podcast“The Accidental Entrepreneur”- Founding and Operating a Media Company Across 3 Decades with Rich Antoniello, Founder and Former CEO of Complex NetworksRich Antoniello, Founder and Former CEO of Complex Networks, joins Matt Briton on the latest episode of The Speed of Culture podcast. They discuss the rise of Complex Networks, the transition to digital space, and how to build a unique brand that appeals to your target audience.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
2022-07-1943 min
SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show117) Rich Antoniello, Founder of Complex Networks - SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership ShowThis week, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Founder and former CEO of Complex Networks, Rich Antoniello, on the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show.
Complex Networks is a media and entertainment company for youth culture, which reports on emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports, and pop culture.
Antoniello became CEO of Complex in 2003 and established a media powerhouse known for delivering a sharp editorial blend of pop culture and style trends. Complex was acquired by Buzzfeed in 2021.
Tune in to find out more!
2022-05-2639 min
The Founder HourRich Antoniello | How Complex Became a Media Empire and Driver of CultureRich Antoniello is the founder and former CEO of Complex Networks, a media and entertainment company for youth culture that reports on popular and emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports, and pop culture. Complex was originally started as a bi-monthly magazine by fashion designer Marc Eckō. Rich joined forces with Marc several years in and helped transform the company into a multi-media conglomerate of brands which includes First We Feast, ComplexCon, Pigeons & Planes, and Sole Collector.The company was first acquired in 2016 through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst, and went through a second a...
2022-04-191h 43
The Joe Pomp Show#14 - Selling Complex for $300 million w/ Rich AntonielloToday's episode is with former Complex CEO Rich Antoniello.
Topics:
• Selling Complex for $300 million
• Building a media network over two decades
• The craziest things he did to keep the business alive
• The future of Bitcoin, crypto, web3, and the metaverse
• What he is investing in today & his advice to young entrepreneurs
Please listen, subscribe, share, and enjoy!
2021-12-2159 min
Andy Day‘s M&A/Q&AHow to build a 360° media business, raise capital and exit 3 times with Rich AntonielloWhat a journey Rich Antoniello CEO of Complex Media has had! Transforming the Complex magazine business into an online powerhouse of the most recognisable content brands online today. Not only is the content great, but Complex is a 360° media business, pumping out content, brand campaigns and products. Their Hot Ones sauce is a case in point, made famous on their massive Hot Ones YouTube show. Complex has acquired a number of brands over the years Pigeons & Planes, Sole Collector and Collider. We get into those acquisitions in this episode, but that’s not even their most interesting M&A credential. Ric...
2021-11-1551 min
The Pomp Podcast#709 Building a Media Empire w/ Rich AntonielloRich Antoniello is the Founder & CEO of Complex (now Complex Networks). They recently sold the business for approximately $300 million to BuzzFeed.
In this conversation, we discuss media, entrepreneurship, capital markets, bitcoin, NFTs, and some of the CRAZY stories from over the years.
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2021-11-0250 min
Wine & Culture Los AngelesEpisode 11: IT'S COMPLEX: Rich Antoniello x 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz/CabernetWINE is COMPLEX. Dev sits down with Complex Networks CEO & media genius Rich Antoniello to commemorate his 20 years at Complex, with a 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz/Cab, from Australia's most famous winery. They teach you how to taste wine, and discuss how Complex does what it does, building an advertising empire, embracing change, and what wine is supposed to be. Don't miss this unreal conversation, and also find out who Rich thinks is the best rapper alive.
2021-08-1350 min
The Digiday PodcastJonah Peretti and Rich Antoniello explain why BuzzFeed is buying Complex NetworksThe wave of media consolidation is cresting again. The latest example is BuzzFeed’s acquisition of Complex Networks. BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti and Complex Networks CEO Rich Antoniello joined the Digiday Podcast to talk about the deal.The conversation with Peretti and Antoniello ranged from how Complex Networks will fit inside BuzzFeed to how BuzzFeed’s brands could cross over into Complex’s properties like ComplexCon and vice versa. What came through in the interview is how the two executives see their respective companies as being in a better position together rather than going it alone in an ind...
2021-06-2945 min
The Buster ShowComplex Founder & CEO Rich AntonielloRich Antoniello is the man. He is also a very successful founder and entrepreneur! Hope you enjoy our conversation!Some more info: (via wikipedia)"Complex Networks has been named by business insider as one of the Most Valuable Startups in New York, and Most Valuable Private Companies in the World. Complex Networks CEO Rich Antoniello was named among the Silicon Alley 100. In 2012, the company launched Complex TV, an online broadcasting platform; in 2016, it became a joint venture subsidiary of Verizon and Hearst."
2021-01-201h 12
The ThoughtLeaders PodcastEpisode 9 - Rich AntonielloWhen it comes to influential media companies, Complex Media is right at the top of that list and it's time to meet the man who started it all, Rich Antoniello, CEO and Founder of Complex. I got the inside story of how Complex did things the right way and morphed from their humble beginnings into the powerhouse they are today.
2020-06-221h 06
Between Us with John RoaLEADING FROM HOME: Rich Antoniello - Founder & CEO, Complex NetworksRich Antoniello is the CEO and Founder of Complex Networks, which runs video-first brands that cater to young Millennials and the Gen-Z market. He talks with John about the challenges and opportunities the coronavirus poses for businesses and gives some surprising predictions of what’s to come next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-04-1742 min
The Digiday PodcastComplex's Rich Antoniello's recipe for media in crisis: 'Brand plus brains plus balance sheet'For publishing companies to survive a global crisis like the one we're in, Complex Networks CEO Rich Antoniello's formula is "brand plus brain plus balance sheet."Antoniello is no stranger to tough times in media. He stewarded Complex through the 2008 financial crisis as CEO, the role he still holds now. But compared to that, the downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic is "infinitely more difficult," Antoniello said on the Digiday Podcast."We have no idea when the virus is going to slow down in the United States," Antoniello said. "And we have no idea...
2020-03-3138 min
Office HoursRich Antoniello, Founder and CEO, Complex NetworksOn this week's episode, we're joined by Rich Antoniello CEO and founder of Complex Networks.Antoniello founded Complex in 2002 after several years in print and digital media at National Geographic and Men's Journal following his start as a media planner at Saatchi & Saatchi in 1993.Antoniello sat down to discuss the value of organic growth, what teams and leagues can learn from media companies, the importance of good brands and good businesses, and what it takes to be a good entrepreneur.4:04-4:39: The value of o...
2020-03-1847 min
Channels with Peter KafkaComplex CEO Rich Antoniello on running a youth culture media empireCEO of Complex Rich Antoniello chats with Recode's Peter Kafka about co-founding and building a powerful youth culture brand that's leveraged its popularity into viral video series's like Hot Ones and Sneaker Shopping and major events like ComplexCon. Attend Code Media in Los Angeles, California from November 18-19. Click here to register.Survey: We are conducting an audience survey to better serve you. It takes no more than five minutes, and it really helps out the show. Please take our survey here.Featuring: Rich Antoniello (@BuzzFeedBen), CEO and Co-founder of Complex...
2019-09-2757 min
Ad Age Ad LibRich Antoniello, CEO of Complex MediaRich Antoniello, CEO of media brand Complex, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from media’s pivot to revenue diversification to how Complex’s joint acquisition by Hearst and Verizon in 2016 has been playing out for the brand. We talk about why he’s bullish on over-the-top streaming platforms and how his own background as an agency and print guy left him perfectly unprepared to be a modern media CEO.
2018-11-0143 min
Ad Age InsiderRich Antoniello, CEO of Complex MediaThis weekend some 60,000 sneakerheads, hip hop aficionados, jocks, gamers, design nerds and foodies will descend on Long Beach, California, for the fourth annual ComplexCon. The consumer-facing pop culture bonanza is the physical expression of media brand Complex, which CEO Rich Antoniello has been driving for the past 17 years. Rich — who is outspoken on just about any topic you can throw at him — joins us today for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from media’s pivot to revenue diversification (after it’s failed pivot to video) and how Complex’s joint acquisition by Hearst and Verizon in 2016 has been playing out for th...
2018-11-0143 min
Digiday LiveDeep thoughts with Complex Network's Rich AntonielloIn this session from Digiday Publishing Summit, Brian Morrissey quizzes Complex Network's Rich Antoniello on his deep thoughts in his deep tweets.
2018-10-0517 min
Suiting Up with Paul RabilRich Antoniello: COMPLEX Founder & CEOComplex is a media platform and an online community that publishes the best, most diverse and most relevant voices in pop culture. It was co-founded by Rich Antoniello and Marc Ecko in 2002.
Complex Networks’ stable of brands, now owned 50/50 by Verizon and Hearst, generate over 810 million videos views a month and have a combined social following of more than 194 million users.
Their millennial-driven authentic voice strives to defy the stale conversations of the past, and shift the world’s attention to the movements within convergence culture. They were born in American Pop Culture – a business built on telling the storie...
2018-08-271h 11
The Digiday PodcastComplex's Rich Antoniello: Media is a game of musical chairs with too many players and too few chairsFor Complex Networks CEO Rich Antoniello, the pivot to reality in digital media couldn't come soon enough. He joined Digiday for a live podcast at the Cannes Lions festival.
2018-06-2232 min
The Premium Pete ShowRich AntonielloInternets! Fuhgettaboutit! This week Premium Pete sits down with Founder and CEO of Complex Rich Antoniello. Pete and Rich discuss in detail Complex's rumored $300 million dollar merger with Hearst and Verizon, Rich's past at National Geographic, the importance of discipline, and inspirational business leaders. Rich shares heartfelt memories of his father, along with background on some of Complex's biggest productions. This is one for the books, listen up and get inspired!
2017-07-271h 43