Real Girls Media Network, Inc., an online publishing company, announced recently that it closed its Series A funding with 3i and WaldenVC. Concurrent with the funding, David Silverman, partner with 3i, and Steve Eskenazi, managing director at WaldenVC, have joined the company's board of directors.

By combining editorial, user-generated content, and community, Real Girls Media Network aims to build the leading online destinations that address the totality of women's lives, not just specific life events. Unlike existing advertising-supported Web sites, RGM will enable women of all ages to easily submit and publish their opinions and stories. The first Web site, DivineCaroline.com, which is due to launch in early 2007, is targeted for women aged 25 to 54. Additional sites aimed at other age groups will follow in 2007.

"Our unique offering allows real voices to publish like professional writers. We have invested in our proprietary technology to provide a simple process to enable access to the highest end publishing environments to women of all views, walks of life, and experiences," said Kate Everett Thorp, CEO of RGM. Member-written stories, reviews, and related photos will appear alongside staff-written articles about everything from parenting to careers. "Beyond editorial and user-generated content," Thorp said, "our properties will provide traditional community services such as reviews and forums to complete the connection of women, their purchasing power, and their influence in a centralized destination."

"Close to 57% percent of online users are women - and this market is currently underserved," said David Silverman, partner with 3i and board member of Real Girls Media Network. "RGM's new interactive site, DivineCaroline.com, and its plans for a network of quality online sites, will provide a real sense of community for women which is becoming more and more important in a busier and increasingly isolated society. We look forward to supporting RGM's executive team to be highly successful in this venture."

For more information, please visit: www.realgirlsmedia.com