Creator Economy Startups

BEAMING develops and operates STAN, an app that supports fandom community operations, aiming to build a "fandom economy" that connects fans and the people they support. The company serves fans and creators seeking to engage with and support their favorite people and communities.

1 investor

Castee operates a platform for creators that includes influencer collaboration video marketing for brands (Castee Challenge) and a music-based monetization service (Castee Music) that pays creators based on view counts for videos posted on TikTok and Instagram. The Tokyo-based company also runs a music promotion service for record labels and has expanded into commerce via TikTok Shop through an Indonesian subsidiary.

1 investor

Cellorb is a video production company that creates and manages YouTube channels and streaming content, primarily focused on gaming and esports content.

1 investor

Japanese company offering V-tamp, a merchandise sales service and smartphone app that helps creators monetize and build connections with fans, while also providing consulting on applying AI, web3, and XR technologies for new business development. It originated from NTT docomo's docomo STARTUP program.

1 investor

D'Arts develops and operates "Hatchpot VR," a service that provides an environment for creators and companies to produce and distribute VR content, aiming to lower the barrier to entry into the VR industry. The company focuses on VR entertainment experiences for individual users.

1 investor

Finn creates a persistent digital space for users through character, gaming, and software products. The company aims to deliver characters to 10 million users by 2029 and build a lasting place for people to return to.

1 investor

HARTi operates a smart photo booth platform that combines self-serve photography with AI-powered retouching, digital data storage, and internet-connected features for customizable frames and promotional marketing in retail and entertainment venues.

1 investor

Minto produces content across manga, animation, drama, and character properties, working with creators to deliver emotionally engaging entertainment. The company handles production, advertising products, merchandise operations, and system development, expanding from Japan to international markets.

1 investor

VOLVE CREATIVE is a Tokyo-based creative studio that turns Japanese talent and culture into music-based intellectual property through auditions, virtual artists, and anime/game collaborations. It also offers full-stack music production, label operations, business and event support for artists and companies, and builds an entertainment hub connecting Japan with other Asian markets.

1 investor

AXELENTERMEDIA operates artist fan clubs for mobile and PC, along with related e-commerce, live events, and artist game apps, and also provides IT infrastructure services such as data-center housing/hosting, managed server and network monitoring (MSP), and cloud integration. The Japanese company also runs brand/corporate sites, app development, HR staffing/RPO, and DX consulting.

1 investor

To-morrow is an entertainment company focused on creating and exporting Japanese content internationally. The company works with talented creators to develop sustainable entertainment business models that showcase Japanese creative works globally.

1 investor

Asuka Net develops photobooks through on-demand printing for individual customers, operates a virtual talent agency (Razz Production), and creates aerial display technology using mid-air imaging. The company serves photography enthusiasts, funeral services, and regional communities through digital content and extended reality experiences.

1 investor

Weekday is a media and content company founded in Japan, operating lifestyle and fashion editorial properties including The Fashion Post.

1 investor

Audiostock operates a licensing marketplace for music tracks and sound effects created by Japanese music creators, selling BGM and sound effects to video producers, production companies, ad agencies, and YouTubers. It supports creators' monetization and also runs an overseas version targeting customers mainly in North America.

1 investor

C&R Group operates three main business pillars: rights management (licensing intellectual property from professionals into media, games, comics, books, and NFTs), production services (developing content, games, websites, and architectural designs for clients), and agency services (staffing and recruitment). The company serves creative professionals, media companies, and enterprises across entertainment, construction, healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors in Japan.

1 investor

Konnichi Hello provides AI-powered video translation that preserves the original speaker's voice and facial movements across 37 languages, complemented by human translators to ensure translation accuracy. The service is designed for creators, businesses, and content producers who need to reach global audiences without language barriers.

1 investor

Shikumi Design develops creative programming apps and interactive content tools for educational and entertainment purposes. The company creates platforms that enable users, particularly children and educators, to build games, music, and interactive experiences without coding.

1 investor

Pickyou operates a community platform built around a network of over 6,000 creators and influencers, running two lines of business: commerce and PR/advertising. Its offerings include influencer-led PR campaign design and production aimed at Gen Z audiences, and a secondhand marketplace app where users can buy items worn by those influencers.

1 investor

Broccoli is a content production company based in Tokyo that creates character goods, consumer games, trading card products, and illustrated content using licensed intellectual property from anime, manga, and games.

1 investor

Letter Fan is a Japanese platform that lets fans request personalized video messages ("video letters") from athletes, celebrities, and entertainers for individual recipients. It supports use cases such as gifts, encouragement, and charity campaigns tied to sports teams and public figures.

1 investor

Wacom makes digital pens, tablets, and creative software for designers, artists, and content creators. The company serves the creative industry and digital art market globally.

1 investor

Gakugeki develops CROSSIA, an AI and extended reality fan experience platform for official entertainment intellectual property including manga, anime, virtual YouTubers, and characters. The platform enables fans to meet, interact with, and photograph characters while allowing IP holders to protect brand identity and distribute experiences globally.

1 investor

Lizhi is a web-based audio content platform that provides recording technology services, information storage space services, and internet live streaming for audio creators and listeners in China.

1 investor

5X Media is a media company that manages, partners with, and produces content for creative talent across scripted, unscripted, and digital verticals, using emerging technologies and global markets. It operates as a combined studio and talent management/agency business serving actors, producers, and creator-economy influencers.

0 investors