Key Facts
AniBiz, a new B2B marketplace for anime licensing, launched on Thursday. It is described as the first platform of its kind built specifically for the global anime industry. The platform aims to connect anime IP rights holders with qualified licensees worldwide, streamlining the traditionally opaque licensing process.
Details of the Platform
According to the company, AniBiz's database covers thousands of anime series. The platform offers discovery, matchmaking, and warm introductions, making the process faster and more transparent than traditional cold outreach or fragmented industry networks. Licensors include studios, production committees, and rights management companies. Licensees range from consumer brands and manufacturers to distributors, retailers, startups, creators, game studios, and entertainment companies.
AniBiz's website lists several prominent studios and IP owners as featured partners, including Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Toei Animation, and others. The company expects to add more licensors in the coming months.
Pricing and Tiers
AniBiz offers multiple tiers for licensees. A basic free tier allows users to create a profile searchable by licensors. A Pro tier, priced at $49 per month at launch, provides access to the data feed of titles, production committees, and other information. A third, bespoke tier is available for companies with special requests.
Impact on the Anime Industry
Kun Gao, co-founder of AniBiz, stated that for decades, access to anime IP has depended on who you know. The platform opens the door to entirely new categories of partners, including emerging brands, manufacturers, creators, events, and startups. Gao emphasized that the platform is built to streamline the licensing process and educate new licensees, facilitating their entry into the anime economy.
Nakama, another co-founder, noted that AniBiz aims to foster new collaborations by lowering the barrier to entry for anyone interested in working with anime IP in both established and developing international markets. Gao added that there is a vast untapped pool of potential licensees—10 to 100 times more than currently in the industry.
What Readers Should Know
- AniBiz is the first B2B marketplace dedicated to anime licensing.
- It connects rights holders with a wide range of licensees globally.
- The platform offers free and paid tiers, with the Pro tier at $49/month.
- It aims to simplify and democratize anime IP licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AniBiz?
AniBiz is the first dedicated B2B marketplace for the global anime industry, connecting IP rights holders with licensees.
Who can use AniBiz?
Licensors like studios and rights management companies, and licensees such as consumer brands, manufacturers, and startups.
How much does AniBiz cost?
A free basic tier is available; a Pro tier costs $49 per month for full access to data and matchmaking.