With AniBiz, Crunchyroll co-founder Kun Gao has launched a new online platform for international anime licensing. Right from the start, the project is supported by numerous well-known companies in the industry.
New platform for anime licenses
AniBiz claims to be the first B2B platform specifically tailored to the anime industry that focuses on licensing anime content outside of Japan.
The goal is to bundle the previously often complex licensing process in a central and protected environment and to make access to anime licenses much easier for companies.
Behind the project is Nakama, a company founded by Kun Gao – co-founder and former CEO of the streaming service Crunchyroll – together with Brady McCollum and Sae Whan Song.
The first partners include Aniplex of America, Toei Animation, TOHO Global, ADK Emotions, Pony Canyon, TV Asahi, TV TOKYO, Fuji Creative Corporation and other rights holders from Japan.
Easier access for new market entrants
According to those responsible, AniBiz is primarily intended to make it easier for new market participants to enter the anime industry. Instead of licensing deals, which were previously often based on long-term contacts, the platform relies on official and transparent access to anime IPs.
Additionally, AniBiz aims to provide market analysis and regional demand information to support licensees and rights holders in international business decisions.
It remains to be seen whether the ambitious project will change licensing in the long term. However, the industry’s interest seems to be great at the start.
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Via Varietycxd
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