>>64110859
>>64112905
Maybe they don't want anyone to know a foreign entity controls and possibly censors US gun talk. Not to mention questions about data harvesting or banning anything or anyone not kosher with advertisers or shareholder views.
Scope of Ownership:
VerticalScope operates over 1,200 online communities across various niches, including firearms, hunting, automotive, powersports, and more, with over 100 million monthly active users. The company focuses on hyper-specific communities that attract enthusiasts, experts, and hobbyists. The firearms-related properties listed above are a subset of their broader portfolio, which also includes non-firearm-related forums like those for photography, automotive, and outdoor activities.
Acquisition Strategy:
VerticalScope has grown its portfolio through targeted acquisitions, having completed over 200 acquisitions, including 11 in 2025 alone for approximately $10 million. These acquisitions often include enthusiast forums, which are then monetized through digital advertising, e-commerce solutions, and custom content.
Controversy and Perception: <--
Some users and forum members have expressed concerns about VerticalScope’s management practices, including increased advertising, data harvesting, and changes to forum policies that have led to perceptions of declining quality or community engagement. For example, after VerticalScope acquired forums like Hondaatvforums.com and Pirate4x4, many moderators and members left to create alternative platforms. There are also reports of bans and censorship, particularly when content does not align with advertisers’ preferences.
Torstar Connection: <--
Torstar, the publisher of the Toronto Star, owns a 56% equity stake in VerticalScope, acquired in 2015. This has raised concerns among some users due to the Toronto Star’s editorial stance on gun control, though VerticalScope maintains that Torstar’s role is limited to investment and does not influence content.
