#Japan #IP collaboration #Chuo #G-ant #Mitakulu Block

G-ant Secures Funding to Transform the Creator Economy

G-ant Co., Ltd., located in Chuo, Tokyo, has announced the successful completion of a pre-Series A funding round, securing a total of 120 million yen. The objective of this fundraising is to accelerate the growth of their innovative product, Mitakulu Block, which is located at the intersection of the creator economy and fandom. The funding was received from notable investors, including ANOBAKA Co., Ltd., mint Co., Ltd., and Gokin Capital.

The raised capital will primarily be utilized for strengthening collaborations with intellectual properties (IPs), enhancing product development, marketing, and talent acquisition, all aimed at cultivating a long-term relationship between fans, IPs, and creators through a unique fandom experience.

The Backdrop

In recent years, the creator economy has witnessed tremendous global expansion, growing into a multi-trillion yen market both worldwide and within Japan. However, the three-dimensional goods market faces significant structural constraints, such as:

• - High initial costs of several hundred thousand yen for mold production of figures
• - Inventory risks due to the reliance on mass production
• - Bias towards particular IPs or characters that make it less accessible for many creators

Consequently, many IPs and creators find the realm of creating dimensional goods increasingly daunting. Fans also face challenges with consumption patterns that often lean towards short-term gratification or excessive purchases. To address these issues, G-ant aims to implement a dual approach leveraging technological and business design solutions to establish sustainable relationships among fans, IPs, and creators.

What is Mitakulu Block?

Mitakulu Block is G-ant's flagship product that utilizes voxel technology to create customizable block figures. This product allows fans to engage with characters through a variety of experiences such as assembling, decorating, collecting, and sharing, ensuring continued interaction with their favorite IPs and characters in everyday life.

Key Features:

• - 3D representation of characters that maintains integrity through voxel technology
• - Compatibility with a wide range of IPs, including VTubers, illustrators, and gamers
• - Short production times without the need for molds, facilitating small-batch production
• - User-generated content (UGC) creation through the assembly experience, promoting strong ties with streaming and social media

Adopting a universally understood block format enables enjoyment that transcends language and cultural barriers.

G-ant's Vision for 'Fandom Toys'

Fandom toys are designed to move beyond the one-way relationship of consumption and provision between fans and IPs/creators; they encourage interactions that lead to cumulative experiences and value. In contrast to conventional goods, which offer a complete experience upon purchase, fandom toys allow continual interaction—fans can touch, modify, and integrate them into their daily lives.

Designed around four core principles:
1. Participate: Engage beyond the act of purchase
2. Personalize: Foster personal interactions without rigid guidelines
3. Physicalize: Bring characters and worlds into the real world
4. Prolong: Create lasting emotional connections rather than one-time consumption

G-ant promotes this concept of fandom toys with Mitakulu Block as a primary example.

G-ant's Value Proposition and Future Developments

G-ant aims to firmly establish itself in the fandom toy market by leveraging its unique strengths:

• - Flexible production with short turnaround times for niche IPs and emerging creators
• - A product design that caters to various tastes, encouraging fan participation and sharing

These attributes not only provide creators with enhanced monetization and growth opportunities beyond one-off merchandise but also offer fans an enriching fandom experience that bridges cultures. Since 2022, G-ant has been securing patents on 3D assembly and AR technologies, with plans to have 10 patents by December 2025. These patents encompass the assembly process, experience design, and digital integration, creating significant legal barriers for competitors in the field.

Looking ahead, G-ant plans to implement fan community-driven projects, utilize digital data for secondary markets, and explore international opportunities, ultimately aiming to build a robust platform in the fandom toy space.

Investor Commentary

Mr. Hiroki Oda, Senior Associate at ANOBAKA Co., Ltd.:
G-ant has developed a new sensation in fandom toys with Mitakulu Block, where fans can build their 3D pixelated characters. The ability to easily convert numerous IPs into toy blocks makes it an appealing prospect. Assembling one's favorites is a unique and powerful experience for fans.

Mr. Hironori Takeda, General Partner at mint Co., Ltd.:
G-ant's pioneering voxel design technology overcomes significant barriers for IP holders like mold costs and inventory risks. The minifigure structure facilitates an immersive experience between fans and IP holders, creating a new value through interaction.

Mr. Shuichi Ida, Gokin Capital:
Building your favorite “oshi” will create delight among fans globally. The arrival of an era where anyone can shape their beloved characters without language barriers is exciting, and we are wholeheartedly supporting this challenge.

G-ant's CEO Vision

Shogo Hirakawa, CEO of G-ant:
Having drawn immense inspiration from movies, anime, and characters throughout my life, I believe that stories and characters born from someone’s creativity have the power to transcend time and boundaries.

Mitakulu Block is designed to enhance this connection among a diverse audience, evolving the experience from merely observing and collecting to actively interacting and nurturing relationships.

Blocks serve as universal mediums for expressing creativity beyond age and cultural constraints. We are redefining this concept, not merely as toys but as interfaces that bring characters and worlds into our tangible reality.

By combining technologies for 3D data, digital designs, and production techniques, we can deliver precisely what is needed, in the required forms globally. The potential is immense, regardless of the scale or genre of IP. Our vision isn't confined to the success of a singular product; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where fandom, creators, and technology intertwine, enriching collaborative enjoyment at a global level.

As we embark on this challenge, we are keen to collaborate with numerous like-minded partners and investors to shape the future of entertainment experiences together. G-ant is committed to nurturing a culture where people can shape and enjoy their passions.

Recruitment Opportunities

G-ant is amplifying its recruitment efforts for business growth and establishing a stronghold in the fandom toy market. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about entertainment, IP, and product design, and share the vision of creating a world where “someone's likes” thrive.
Positions are open across various roles, including business development, product design, and engineering. For job details, please visit our corporate site or recruitment page.

Company Overview:
Founded in October 2020, G-ant Co., Ltd. focuses on creating new values centered around “Creator Economy x Fandom Toys.” Utilizing diverse creators' IPs, from VTubers to artists, G-ant offers distinctive block figure products that deepen engagement between fans and their beloved characters. Our goal is to connect globally through “the fun of liking.”
Location: GINZA OHTAKE Residence 2F, 1-22-11 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
Business: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of Mitakulu Block
Website: www.g-ant.co.jp