Mediafed snaps up social news curator Taptu

The deal is expected to launch Mediafed and Taptu to the frontline of digital publishing

There are two major technology trends today: social and mobile.  If you’re not doing one of those things, then you’re enterprise software and you’re boring; stop emailing me. 

One of the big ideas to explode into a million tiny clones was social content curators for the iPad, such as Flipboard, Pulse, Zite, Tweetmag, Taptu, and so, so many more.  Taptu became known for its “DJ your news” hook, which allows users to select and merge different news feeds into one stream.  Now the company is taking its mobile content curation magic over to the world of content monetization with its acquisition by Mediafed, an RSS feed advertising and publishing company.  The deal Thursday, but the financial terms have not been disclosed.

“Taptu is fulfilling Mediafed's need for althorithmic search technology, for the most tailored content delivery experience, and a mobile component to further extend the company's existing global reach across 55 countries,” said Mediafed CEO Ashley Harrison.

Harrison tells me that the majority of Taptu’s team will be moving over to Mediafed, for a combined total of 35 people.  Taptu CEO Mitch Lazar’s new role will be that of advisor to the board.

Founded in 2007, Mediafed monetizes RSS feeds by allowing publishers to see how their feeds are being used, how many people are using them, where they are being read, and so on.  Named one of Europe’s top ten fastest growing digital media companies at the 2011 Media Momentum Awards, Mediafed has partnerships with a number of top publishers, including New York Times, Le Monde, Reuters, Axel Springer, Hachette Filipacchi, IDG, El Mundo, La Gardere and WSJ China.

The company reaches more than 125 million consumers and has doubled its mobile user base to 50 million users from 20 million.

“We are thrilled to become a part of the Mediafed family and feel we have found the perfect partnership to take the lead in digital publishing,” said Taptu CEO Mitch Lazar, in a statement. “Mediafed has developed a powerhouse in content monetization that together with Taptu’s team and platform will provide a compelling opportunity for advertisers, publishers and our customers.”

Mediafed says that Taptu users will still be able to use the Taptu mobile and Web apps, which will be getting new features down the line.

Taptu, which has offices in Cambridge, England, and Denver, Colorado, has raised $18 million from DFJ Esprit and Sofinnova Ventures.