On the outside, Babelgum might seem like another online TV-viewing outfit, like Joost. Unlike Joost, Babelgum isn't just moving mainstream television to the Internet. Instead, it is also offering niche programming, including independent and short films. In the near future Babelgum also plans to allow professional independent producers to automatically upload their videos to its site. The content is free for the consumer, but the company intends to make its money through targeted advertising. Co-founder Silvio Scaglia has already poured $17.8 million into the company and plans to spend another $130 million or so of his personal fortune to get the company up and running over the next few years.
CEO: Valerio Zingarelli
Location: Milan, Italy
URL: babelgum.com
Launch: January 2007
Funding: $17.8 million (co-founder Silvio Scaglia)
With our interactive map, you can see a country-by-country breakdown of Web usage across the globe. (more) 
Some of the world's hottest startups are outside the United States. Find out where they are -- and what they're up to. (more) 
Last year we identified 23 really cool Web 2.0 companies outside the United States. Here are 10 that have become hits. (more) 
