TheSkimm Acquisition Marks a New Chapter for Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin

Imagine building a newsletter from scratch, growing it to reach millions of engaged women readers, and then being acquired by one of the largest digital media companies in the world. That dream is now reality for Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin following the TheSkimm acquisition by Ziff Davis, one of the largest digital media companies in the world.

TheSkimm will now operate under Everyday Health Group, Ziff Davis’ health content arm, while maintaining its unique brand identity and founding leadership team. Since launching TheSkimm in 2012, Danielle and Carly have built a loyal audience of millions through a distinctive editorial voice, strong community engagement, and a deep understanding of their readers.

We've long admired Danielle and Carly's entrepreneurial journey since they founded TheSkimm in 2012, and their success offers valuable insights for every Entreprenista building her own empire.

How TheSkimm Built an Acquisition-Worthy Media Brand

Know Your Audience Intimately

TheSkimm's success stems from deeply understanding their readers. This audience-first approach created the brand's most valuable asset—5 million highly engaged women subscribers.

Build a Distinctive Brand Voice

TheSkimm created a recognizable, trusted voice that resonated with Millennial women. This authentic connection made the brand incredibly valuable to its acquirer.

Related: Why Your Personal Brand is Your Greatest Business Asset

Maintain Fiscal Discipline

TheSkimm raised $28.4 million while maintaining profitability—making them an attractive acquisition target in today's challenging media landscape.

Related: Kaci Ranger Helps Businesses Grow With Her Sustainable Solutions

Strategic Growth Planning

The founders were intentional about finding the right partner.

Leadership Continuity

Both co-CEOs will continue leading the brand under its new ownership, and all 75+ employees will remain in place—a testament to the value Ziff Davis places on the existing team and culture.

TheSkimm's journey from newsletter startup to acquisition by a major digital media company is a true Entreprenista success story—one that proves that with vision, audience understanding, and smart business strategy, women founders can build media companies that thrive.

We recently spoke with Carly and Danielle on the Entreprenista Podcast, where they shared all about the early days of founding TheSkimm, their secrets to maintaining a successful co-founder relationship, and so much more. This is a must-listen for every founder looking to grow their business.

‍You can listen to the episode right here.

FAQs

Q: Who acquired TheSkimm?
A: Ziff Davis acquired TheSkimm as part of a strategic move to expand its digital media and health content portfolio through Everyday Health Group.

Q: What is TheSkimm known for?
A: TheSkimm is known for its women-focused newsletter and media platform that delivers news and lifestyle content in a conversational, accessible voice.

Q: Who founded TheSkimm?
A: TheSkimm was founded in 2012 by Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, who built the brand into one of the most recognizable newsletter-based media companies targeting millennial women.

Q: Why is the TheSkimm acquisition significant?
A: The acquisition highlights the long-term value of audience-first media brands with strong community engagement, recognizable brand voice, and sustainable growth strategies.

Q: Will Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin remain involved with TheSkimm?
A: Yes. According to the announcement, both founders will continue leading TheSkimm under its new ownership structure.

Updated on: May 19, 2026