In an attempt to get traction quickly, Joost, the recently launched professional content video site, has secured a round of financing of $45 million.
The four new backers are CBS (CBS-A), Index Ventures, Sequioa Capital and Hong Kong businessman Li Ka-shing. Viacom (VIA-B) is also a backer, although nothing is known about what that involves at this time.
Janus Friis, who founded Skype along with Niklas Zennstrom said that the financing will be used to expand the business rapidly. "We've got the product out there. Now it's all about accelerating and expanding the business," he said. "This funding round is all about accelerating everything."
Joost is unique in that it offers up professional content rather than amateur. It can be viewed in high definition on a full-screen rather than being viewed in a browser window, which the viewers can download.
A lot of major media companies and sports leagues have offered programming to the company already; including the NHL, Indy racing, Warner Bros., CBS, Sony and Turner.
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