#Japan #Tokyo #DGDV #short films #SAMANSA

Introduction

Daiwa Daiwa Ventures (DGDV), based in Tokyo, has recently made headlines for taking a leading role in funding the Japanese short film platform, SAMANSA, during its Series A funding round. This investment marks a pivotal moment for both companies as they focus on revolutionizing the short film industry in Japan and beyond.

SAMANSA's Vision

Launched in April 2021, SAMANSA aims to democratize the film industry under its mission statement, "Liberating films for everyone." The platform provides high-quality short films to audiences worldwide through its Video on Demand (VOD) service. This latest funding will primarily be invested in accelerating its overseas expansion, particularly targeting English-speaking markets, and in the production of original films.

Supporting Japan's Creative Strategy

The Japanese government has set an ambitious goal to increase overseas sales of Japanese content to 20 trillion yen by 2033, under its "Content Overseas Development 2.0" initiative. SAMANSA's operations are aligned with this strategic vision, as it actively takes on risks to conduct direct business overseas, allowing them to maximize their revenue in the global market. In a landscape dominated by giants like Netflix, SAMANSA stands out as a unique platform that specifically focuses on short films, posing an audacious challenge to established players.

The Significance of DGDV's Investment

DGDV's decision to invest in SAMANSA stems from the platform's robust and distinctive network of creators, as well as its effectiveness in reaching a wide audience, evidenced by its ability to generate over 100 million views for a single trailer on social media. DGDV has a history of supporting startups in their global endeavors, with the intention of assisting SAMANSA in leading Japan’s film industry into international markets.

The Future of SAMANSA

By positioning itself as a creator of a dedicated film platform rather than merely licensing content to existing platforms, SAMANSA represents a rare initiative in today’s content ecosystem. The plan is not just to be another service provider, but rather to build a platform that can foster the growth of short films both in Japan and internationally. This strategy promises to redefine how short films are created, distributed, and enjoyed around the world.

Conclusion

As the global appetite for unique storytelling continues to grow, platforms like SAMANSA are primed to fill a niche that traditional video platforms may overlook. With DGDV’s investment, SAMANSA stands to make significant strides in its mission, potentially transforming the landscape of short films while bridging the gap between Japanese cinema and global audiences.

About SAMANSA

• - Company Name: SAMANSA Co., Ltd.
• - Established: April 2021
• - Executives: Yuichi Iwanaga (CEO), Takayuki Toyama (Co-CEO)
• - Business Focus: Streaming service for short films
• - Corporate Site: About SAMANSA
• - Service Site: SAMANSA

About DGDV

• - DGDV specializes in investing in seed and early-stage startups, focusing on bridging gaps in Japan and globally. Their mission is to transform the startup ecosystem through investments in innovative companies that challenge the status quo.
• - Website: DGDV