Future Venture Capital to buy All Nippon Entertainment

Financial details were not disclosed. According to a release, FVC will acquire a 99.6% stake in ANEW, which currently has registered capital of JPY1.1 billion ($10 million). INCJ established the company in 2011 with an initial capitalization of $80 million.

ANEW aims to generate revenue by introducing copyrighted Japanese content to foreign audiences by adapting existing domestically produced movies and TV shows into new versions that are more internationally marketable. The business partners with creative talent at Hollywood studios, publishers, and game companies to overcome cultural obstacles, including language barriers and cross-border rights clearances.   

Globalization of Japanese media content is expected to expand the marketing potential for related industries such as games, books, comics, toys and character goods. ANEW's partner network currently includes Fuji Television Network, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Sega Toys. The company had total assets of JPY504 million as of year-end 2016, down from JPY885 million in 2015. Net profit fell from JPY431 million to JPY347 million over the same period.

FVC recently deepened its exposure to US markets with the acquisition of professional services provider EnConnect Holdings, which will promote US-Japan partnerships as FVC Americas. It will advance partnerships between venture enterprises in Colorado and large Japanese companies.

Last year, FVC set up a JPY260 million start-up fund alongside Kyoto Shinkin Bank and Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank. The Tokyo-listed GP typically targets early to growth stage capital to companies in manufacturing, retail, and technology, with previous activity including participation in a $4.4 million round alongside INCJ for Japanese food production equipment company NanoMist Technologies.

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• Topics
• North Asia
• Media
• Consumer
• Buyouts
• Exits
• Japan
• USA
• Future Venture Capital
• Innovation Network Corp. of Japan (INCJ)