theSkimm founders Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin built a media empire from a New York City living room. Their journey from NBC newsroom producers to co-CEOs of a multimillion-subscriber brand shows how frustration with an industry can spark real innovation.
How theSkimm Founders Met
Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin first crossed paths while studying abroad in Rome during college. Weisberg attended Tufts University, and Zakin attended the University of Pennsylvania. They reconnected years later while working as producers at NBC News in Washington, D.C. Eventually, both moved to New York City and became roommates.
Launching theSkimm From a Living Room
The theSkimm founders grew frustrated with how poorly traditional news served their generation. So, in 2012, they quit their jobs entirely. They combined roughly $4,000 in savings and launched a daily email newsletter. The very first send reached just 400 people.
However, that small start quickly gained momentum. theSkimm grew into a full media company over the following decade. Additionally, the founders expanded into podcasts, video content, and a mobile app. Investors like Shonda Rhimes and Google Ventures eventually backed the growing brand.
Building a Media Empire
Under their leadership, theSkimm founders raised nearly $29 million in funding. Furthermore, the company reached millions of subscribers across multiple newsletters. They also launched Skimm Studios for video content and SKM Lab for brand partnerships. Their viral #ShowUsYourLeave campaign pushed for greater parental leave transparency across industries.
The Ziff Davis Acquisition
In March 2025, theSkimm founders sold the company to Ziff Davis’ Everyday Health Group. Despite the acquisition, both women remained on as co-CEOs. Meanwhile, they continue leading the brand’s next chapter together.
A Lasting Partnership
Today, Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin still run theSkimm together after more than a decade. Their candid conversations about burnout, rejection, and co-founder partnership have inspired countless entrepreneurs. Ultimately, theSkimm founders prove that trust and shared vision can outlast any business challenge.