Aug 16, 2022

Internet-First Animation Studio Invisible Universe Raises $12 Million in Series A Funding

Invisible Universe, the Internet-first animation studio, is gaining momentum in its quest to become the "Pixar of the Internet." Having reportedly raised $8 million as of February, the company raised another $4 million in a $12 million Series A funding round successfully, demonstrating a sustained interest in online IP development and a franchise model.

What does "Internet First" mean? Internet-first IP is content designed to live and, more importantly, grow on social media and the Web3, leveraging the community-driven nature of online platforms to provide more real-time feedback and direct character It creates more real-time feedback and direct engagement with the characters. In other words, characters gain popularity gradually on platforms like Tiktok, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram, only to then be franchised into familiar forms such as series, feature films, books, games, licensing, and merchandising Gain a sufficient number of fans (proving a return on investment).

What will the $12 million be used for - The funds will be used to expand the reach of Invisible's existing IP and launch new franchises. [This round was led by venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. Serena Williams (spouse of Seven Seven Six and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian) and Jennifer Aniston, plus Will Smith's Dreamers VC, Cosmic Venture Partners, Dapper Labs, Franklin Templeton, Geingels, Initialized Capital, Schusterman Family Investments, Wheelhouse, TCG, CASSIUS, and Spencer Raskoff's 75 & Sunny are among the investors. [Katelyn Holloway, founding partner of Seven Seven Six and board member of Invisible Universe, shares her perspective:

We have the power to live without IP and it drives audience growth and retention regardless of platform, I see it igniting the potential for franchise development. I have seen the magic of Pixar up close and personal, and this company is building a similarly unforgettable IP with an innovative approach that reduces both time and capital while embracing audience feedback.

Always remember to make time for yourself. [I would like to see some examples of Invisible Universe's "unforgettable IPs". She is Kaikai, an IP developed by Invisible Universe, a character based on her daughter's favorite real-life doll, and has already been around for several years. In addition to her online presence, Williams is about to publish The Adventures of Qai Qai. The company's other investor, actress Jennifer Aniston, lives in Aniston's home and has a growing fan base for Clydeo, a cartoon character who is a cousin of her dog, Clyde. According to the company, Clydeo is "more human, likes to cook, and is more of a foodie." There's also Craisinho, the jovial monkey who hangs out with Brazilian soccer player Danieu Alves:

What does Web3 have to do with it - in short, popularity reigns. In a clear departure from "canned" style episodic content, the studio is producing a Web3-based series, The R3al Metaverse. The show is an "animated parody of Big Brother meets the real world" starring CG animated versions of five NFT projects. According to the project's website, season one will feature community-driven episodes based on voting and the chance for viewers' own NFTs to make cameo appearances (after proving popular, of course). Thus, at least some of the series' storylines could be affected mid-season.