Towson News Outlet Sold To Tech Company With Plans To Scale Nationwide

TOWSON, MD — A Towson news outlet was sold for an undisclosed price this month to a technology company that plans to scale the publication's model nationwide.

The Towson Torch, an online publication, was acquired by Restyn. Based in Owings Mills, Restyn provides strategic technology for businesses.

Chris Forhan founded The Towson Torch last year, posting updates on its website and in its free weekly newsletter. The outlet also goes by The Towsontown Torch.

The Torch covers businesses, events and the arts. Its website says it "is already being read by over 10,000 people who care about Towson, and who hail from Baltimore County (75%) and Baltimore City (15%)."

"In a very short period of time the Torch was able to build a platform that earned the trust of thousands of readers each month," Restyn CEO Steve Simons said in an Aug. 11 press release posted on I95 Business. "Larger outlets are simply not covering so many of the hyper local stories about the people and businesses that live and work and play here in Towson. And once these stories find their way onto a trusted platform, like the Torch, it gives them the possibility of finding syndication on a range of other outlets."

Forhan will continue leading The Torch while also taking on a technology-driven role at Restyn.

He will now serve as The Torch's president and Restyn's chief growth officer.

His goal will be "launching innovative technology solutions that leverage data and artificial intelligence to empower humans."

"Bringing together the Torch and Restyn made so much sense, because it represents a next level opportunity for us to collaborate on shaping a future for technology that prioritizes serving and supporting people, rather than replacing them," Forhan said in the release. "By delivering technology solutions that amplify human skills, empower human productivity, and unleash human creativity, Restyn is bringing a moral and ethical advantage to companies seeking to create a better tomorrow through the use of technology."

Forhan brings over 25 years of experience selling strategic digital marketing, advertising and technology services.

Restyn is focused on building "technology that unlocks scalable and sustainable innovation for businesses." It hopes to "empower newsmakers with the tools they need to sustain local-first businesses with awareness and promotional access."

"Restyn's vision for The Towson Torch is to build a platform that fosters a community of people in towns and cities across the country, to empower them with the necessary tools to give voice to their stories, using the proven strategy, methods, and technology that have made the Towson Torch a success," the release said.

Readers can follow The Torch at towsontorch.com.