Anime distributor AnimEigo and its parent company MediaOCD have released Episode 18 of The Anime Business, shining a spotlight on Crunchyroll co-founder Kun Gao and his role in building one of the world’s most influential anime streaming platforms. Available now on the official AnimEigo YouTube channel, the latest installment offers an in-depth conversation about Gao’s journey from anime fan and computer engineer to entrepreneur who helped reshape the global anime business.
Hosted by MediaOCD founder and AnimEigo CEO Justin Sevakis, The Anime Business documentary series highlights the people who pioneered the North American anime and manga industries. Gao’s episode stands out by tracing the evolution of Crunchyroll, explaining how the platform navigated the early challenges of online anime distribution, licensing, and rapid international growth.
The interview also examines how business decisions, technology, and changing consumer habits transformed anime streaming into a mainstream industry, making the episode valuable for fans and professionals alike.
Kun Gao Reflects on Building Crunchyroll and the Evolution of Anime Streaming
Throughout the interview, Gao explains how his passion for anime inspired him to create a scalable streaming platform capable of serving a rapidly growing global audience. He also discusses Crunchyroll’s earliest years, when the service operated in what he describes as the
“gray area between illegal piracy and semi-legitimacy,”
before transitioning into a fully licensed business.
The episode also explores the complexities of securing Japanese licensing agreements, attracting outside investment, and balancing business growth with long-term sustainability. Gao additionally shares his thoughts on the opportunities and risks surrounding artificial intelligence, offering a cautious perspective on AI’s expanding role within the entertainment industry.
Crunchyroll has grown significantly since Gao departed the company in 2021 following Sony Pictures Entertainment and Funimation Global Group’s acquisition. Today, the anime streaming service has more than 21 million paid subscribers worldwide and operates under Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
The Documentary Highlights Gao’s Next Chapter in the Anime Industry
The documentary also looks beyond Crunchyroll to Gao’s latest venture. In June 2026, his anime-focused media company, Nakama, launched AniBiz.com, a business-to-business marketplace designed to simplify anime licensing and encourage greater collaboration across the global anime market.
Produced by AnimEigo and MediaOCD, The Anime Business continues to document the stories behind the industry’s most influential figures. Episodes 1 through 17, along with bonus content, are also available on the official AnimEigo YouTube channel in English, while Japanese subtitles are provided through support from the Kleckner Foundation.
