NY Times, Daily Candy, Thrillist Go With Group Commerce Inc. for Deal a Day

The deal-a-day space has gotten more interesting, as major media companies are diving in for their share of the action. Today The New York Times, Comcast’s Daily Candy, Thrillist and Meredith Corp. announced they’d use the deal-a-day platform provided by Group Commerce, a “full service” platform launched by DoubleClick veterans.Everyday Health had previously signed with Group Commerce.

The tie with major online newsletters such as Daily Candy and Thrillist is especially interesting as they come with e-mail lists already at the core of their businesses. They also represent different targeted audiences: shopping-oriented females and action-oriented males. Specific audience targeting is a core focus for Group Commerce (although it is arguably true for its many white-label rivals as well).

Based in a loft in SoHo, Group Commerce has positioned itself as the “blue chip” in the space, and grants publishers full control over their lists. It has won Series A funding of $8 million from former AOL President Bob Pittman, Spark Capital, Carmel Ventures and Lerer Media Ventures. Pittman’s extensive background should prove to be a major door opener for the company.

CEO Jonty Kelt is appearing on the morning-long Deals SuperForum at ILM East, which is March 21-23 in Boston.