One-Year In, Rob Wheeler’s ATM Hits $1 Million in Revenue

Why It Matters

ATM proves that a focused, sponsor‑backed B2B video model can scale profitably within a year, signaling a viable path for media startups targeting the advertising and tech sectors. Its success highlights the rising demand for hybrid editorial‑brand content and real‑time event coverage among buy‑side executives.

Key Takeaways

• ATM generated over $1M revenue in first year, fully sponsorship‑driven
• Lean team of 11 editors uses AI for rapid video turnaround
• Buy‑side audience now 60% of viewership, driving sponsor interest
• Event coverage, especially Disney upfront, became unexpected growth engine
• Moment Awards slated for year‑end, will add sponsorship revenue streams

Pulse Analysis

At The Moment (ATM) entered the market in May 2025 as a hybrid of journalism and corporate storytelling, targeting advertisers, technologists, and media professionals. By leveraging Wheeler’s GroupM pedigree and a bootstrapped approach, the venture secured six‑figure, 12‑month sponsorship contracts with giants like Disney and T‑Mobile Advertising. This model—purely sponsor‑funded, no subscription fees—allowed ATM to hit $1 million in revenue within twelve months and turn a profit without diluting editorial independence.

Operational efficiency is a core differentiator. A global roster of 11 full‑time editors, coordinated across time zones, works alongside an AI‑driven footage‑sorting tool that slashes production cycles. The platform’s audience now skews heavily toward the buy side, with brands and agencies accounting for roughly 60% of viewers and over 300 C‑suite executives subscribing to its newsletter. This buyer‑centric focus has attracted sponsors eager to reach decision‑makers, reinforcing a virtuous loop of content, viewership, and ad spend.

Looking ahead, ATM is expanding beyond video into events and awards. The unexpected popularity of live coverage at industry upfronts has prompted a pivot toward real‑time event storytelling, while the upcoming Moment Awards will create a new sponsorship tier tied to crowd‑sourced categories. By adding a content‑studio arm and a high‑profile awards ceremony, ATM aims to diversify revenue streams and cement its role as a go‑to platform for thought leadership at the intersection of advertising, technology, and media.