Sekai obtains Naruto license to create consumer apps for anime enthusiasts

Emerging French Startup Secures Global Naruto License for Mobile Apps

In a tale reminiscent of your favorite anime, a dynamic group of young entrepreneurs embarked on a journey from obscurity to securing a global license to develop official consumer apps. This French startup, founded in early 2022, aims to revolutionize the anime experience through interactive entertainment with official anime licenses. Unlike expansive franchises like Marvel or Harry Potter, the anime and manga industry remains tightly centered in Japan, with limited forays into diverse entertainment forms beyond some video games and merchandise.

Speaking to TechCrunch, the co-founder and CEO of the startup emphasized the vast yet controlled landscape of anime. Despite anime's massive global fanbase of 600 million, much of its production and merchandising remain Japan-centric. Popular series such as Bleach, Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece enjoy global acclaim, prompting the startup to spend its initial months securing a licensing deal specifically with TV Tokyo for Naruto.

Interactive Mobile Apps on the Horizon

Under its licensing agreement, the startup is empowered to develop consumer mobile apps featuring Naruto’s characters and storylines. These apps aim to provide interactive and socially engaging experiences. Despite still being in development, the startup’s CEO hinted at a core goal: to create experiences that immerse users in the ninja world. This venture draws parallels to the success of Pokémon Go, but the startup decided against creating a direct clone, citing varied performance results in preliminary tests.

The company faced early challenges, including being shut down by major platforms like TikTok and Meta due to skepticism over their licensing legitimacy. It took three months to clear these roadblocks, underscoring the complexity of acquiring and proving IP rights legitimacy.

Expanding Beyond Digital Apps

The startup's license isn't confined to mobile apps alone; it also encompasses digital collectibles and the organization of real-life events and conventions. The license spans the globe, excluding Japan and China, offering broad international reach. While the startup holds ultimate control over the Naruto license, they remain open to collaborations with experts in various fields to enhance their offerings.

Investments and Future Plans

With substantial financial backing, the startup has raised €10 million ($10.9M), supported by various prominent investors, including tech entrepreneurs, musicians, and athletes. Although Naruto marks their initial foray, the company has ambitious plans to introduce a new intellectual property annually, broadening their scope beyond being just "the Naruto company."

As the name Sekai, which means "world" in Japanese, reflects, the company envisions a global impact in transforming how anime fans experience their beloved series through innovative technology and interactive entertainment.