Japanese anime licensing platform AniBiz has secured $6 million in initial funding from three major industry players: TBS Group, Toei Animation, and TV Tokyo Holdings. The investment supports the growth of the business-to-business marketplace, which aims to simplify how companies worldwide discover and license anime intellectual property.
Developed by Nakama, AniBiz launched in July 2026 with a founding team that includes Crunchyroll founder Kun Gao and former Crunchyroll executives Brady McCollum and Sae Whan Song. The platform has grown from 20 licensing partners at launch to more than 30.
Major Japanese Entertainment Companies Back AniBiz
The $6 million investment brings financial backing from companies with established positions in Japan’s anime and entertainment industries. Toei Animation, known for internationally recognized properties, is among the investors alongside TBS Group and TV Tokyo Holdings.
The investment also reflects interest in building infrastructure for anime licensing as the medium reaches audiences across more international markets. For rights holders, a centralized marketplace could help connect their intellectual properties with businesses seeking licensing opportunities.
Toei Animation senior executive officer Masayuki Endo highlighted the importance of protecting established characters while opening licensing opportunities to new partners. He said the company believes AniBiz can provide the infrastructure needed to support that goal and help establish a standard for the industry.
TV Tokyo Holdings senior managing director Toshiyuki Hiraoka also said the partnership would help maximize the global value of anime intellectual property and expand the company’s licensing network across international markets.
AniBiz Opens Anime Licensing to More Global Businesses
AniBiz aims to address a longstanding challenge in the anime industry: connecting businesses with the right intellectual property owners. Its centralized marketplace allows companies to explore available anime properties and approach rights holders without relying entirely on existing industry connections.
Nakama co-founder and head of business development Sae Whan Song explained the platform’s approach, saying,
“Access to anime IP should not depend on who you know.”
The company says businesses interested in licensing anime properties can register on AniBiz, complete verification, and connect with rights holders.
The platform’s growing network includes companies such as ABC Animation, DMM.com, Shochiku, ShoPro, and Sola Entertainment, alongside its original partners. With more than 30 licensors now participating, the investment from TBS Group, Toei Animation, and TV Tokyo Holdings gives AniBiz backing from companies that already own or manage valuable anime properties.
The next challenge will be turning that expanded network into successful licensing partnerships across merchandise, games, retail, and other commercial ventures. The investment signals industry support for AniBiz’s effort to make anime licensing more accessible to businesses worldwide.
