Kasagi Labo Secures US$12 Million Investment In Pre-Series A Round Led by Burda Principal Investments

SINGAPORE, May 16, 2024 – Kasagi Labo announced today that it has secured US$12 million of fresh funding for its Pre-Series A round led by Burda Principal Investments, a division of Hubert Burda Media which provides long-term growth equity for digital technology and media companies.

Renowned as one of Europe's largest media and technology conglomerates, Hubert Burda Media brings a stellar track record of investments in digital-centric businesses, underpinning Kasagi Labo's growth trajectory in the global digital media and entertainment sector.

Other noteworthy participation includes that of CMT Digital, SuperScrypt, Hashed, Sfermion, and Gold House Foundation. This investment strengthens Kasagi Labo's financial position in the anime industry and propels the company's total funding to US$20 million.

Founded and helmed by Kendrick Wong, an anime enthusiast, Kasagi Labo is a leading venture studio that deals with everything anime. The company specializes in delivering authentic Japanese anime content to a global audience through a multifaceted approach encompassing IP licensing, distribution, and merchandising.

The infusion of funds comes at a pivotal moment for Kasagi Labo, empowering the company to realize its vision of cultivating a global anime platform. This platform aims to unite the entire anime content creation ecosystem, from IP owners to artists and voice actors, fostering meaningful connections with dedicated anime enthusiasts worldwide and shaping the development of global anime IPs.

Kasagi Labo's strategic utilization of the funds involves significant investments in anime productions, achieved through building, partnering, or acquiring existing anime IPs. This initiative aligns with the prevailing trends in the industry, driven by the surge in video-on-demand services. Notably, global sales and demand for anime have surpassed the Japanese domestic market for the first time, showcasing the immense potential in the international market(1).
(1) Axios, “Demand for Anime Content Soars” (2022)

Kasagi Labo is poised to capitalize on this momentum, targeting the exponential growth projected for the global anime industry. Industry forecasts predict a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.4%, propelling the industry from its 2022 valuation of US$25.8 billion to an estimated US$62.7 billion by 2032.(2)
(2) Yahoo Finance, “Anime Market to Reach USD 62.7 Billion by 2032” (2023)

Kendrick Wong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kasagi Labo, expressed his optimism and confidence in the company's trajectory. He said, “With a strong coalition of strategic investors, industry advisors, and an experienced management team, the company is well-positioned to spearhead innovation and set new benchmarks in the global anime landscape. I eagerly anticipate our collaboration with Burda Principal Investments, recognizing their extensive global network as a catalyst for unlocking new markets and forging valuable licensing partnerships and distribution avenues for Kasagi Labo.”

Edwin Mak, Principal at Burda Principal Investments, said, “Partnering with Kasagi Labo reflects our commitment to supporting innovative and transformative businesses. Anime is a fast-growing market globally that is ripe for change. Kendrick and his team have demonstrated an ability to execute effectively against a business model that we believe has the potential to transform the industry. We are incredibly excited to lead the company's Pre-Series A round and support their long-term growth across Asia and beyond.”

About Kasagi Labo
Kasagi Labo is a pioneering anime venture studio dedicated to bringing authentic Japanese anime to a global audience. With a mission to support the anime industry and promote anime talents, the company offers fans an immersive experience through innovation in licensing, distribution, merchandising, and original productions. Visit https://www.kasagilabo.com/en/index.html for more information.

About Burda Principal Investments
Burda Principal Investments (BPI) provides long-term growth equity for fast-growing and scalable technology companies. BPI is a division of Hubert Burda Media which is one of Europe's largest media and technology conglomerates with a strong investment track record in Internet-centric businesses since 1998. In the past, Hubert Burda Media has invested in Internet platforms such as Etsy, Zooplus, and HolidayCheck. At BPI, we have been partners with visionary entrepreneurs, leveraging Burda's capital, brands, and sector expertise, particularly in the areas of business expansion, internationalization, and localization. BPI is invested in a portfolio of highly successful and fast-growing companies in Europe, the US, and Asia including Nord Security, Vinted, Aleph Alpha, Bloom & Wild, Moneybox, Skillshare, Expel, Carsome, BillEase, and many more.