Visual Bank Secures Approximately 1.1 Billion Yen in Series B Funding for Next Stage as IP x AI Enabler

Visual Bank Secures Series B Funding

Visual Bank, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has recently raised approximately 1.1 billion yen in a Series B funding round. This round was led by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital, with participation from several prominent investors including CDIB Cross-Border Innovation Fund, Incubate Fund, Aozora Corporate Investment, SMBC Venture Capital, and W Fund.

Purpose of the Funding

The primary aim of this funding is to bolster Visual Bank's mission of being an "IP x AI Enabler" that supports the coexistence of intellectual properties (IP) such as manga and anime with artificial intelligence (AI). By advancing the integration of IP and AI, Visual Bank seeks to create new value and solve real-world challenges, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Japan's IP industry.

Accelerating THE PEN Business Growth

A portion of the raised funds will be dedicated to THE PEN, a subsidiary of Visual Bank. THE PEN focuses on developing AI-assisted tools to support manga artists in their creative endeavors. This initiative embodies the company's commitment to enhancing the creativity of artists, helping them to express their visions more effectively.

Enhancing the Next-Generation Data Library

Visual Bank is also leading a project to establish a data library specifically designed for AI development in the IP sector, supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and NEDO. The funding will be utilized for strategic mergers and acquisitions, along with talent acquisition, to expand services within the IP x AI domain, leveraging this advanced data library.

Visual Bank's Journey and Future Aspirations

Founded in April 2022, Visual Bank acquired all shares of Amana Images, a company with over 40 years of experience in the industry, marking the beginning of its journey. This M&A strategy allowed Visual Bank to leverage the existing credibility and expertise in the visual content management and distribution sectors.

Since then, Visual Bank has initiated the Qlean Dataset venture, aimed at providing AI learning datasets by developing and offering high-quality data sets suitable for AI training. This makes use of the company's established capabilities in rights processing, data structuring for AI, and large-scale data management.

In pursuit of further growth, Visual Bank has partnered with leading figures in the industry to launch a joint venture focusing on THE PEN initiative, reinforcing their commitment to IP and AI collaboration.

Visual Bank’s Business Portfolio

1. Visual Library

Visual Bank continues to build on Amana Images, one of Japan's largest stock photo businesses, providing legally cleared high-quality visual content to various sectors including advertising, publishing, and education.
Official Site

2. Qlean Dataset

This venture specializes in the development and provision of rights-cleared AI learning datasets optimized for companies' AI development needs. By managing the entire process, from annotation to structuring, Qlean ensures the datasets supplied are both efficient and high quality.
Official Site

3. THE PEN

THE PEN focuses on developing tools that assist manga artists, ensuring that each artist's expression is supported with practical solutions directly rooted in their creative processes.
Official Site

Comments from Stakeholders

Tomoki Iizuka, Co-Founder and Director at Visual Bank

“This Series B funding feels like a turning point in our journey, propelling us into the next phase. Ever since we launched, we have taken on the complex challenges at the intersection of IP and AI specifically to understand and navigate the intricacies of rights and creativity.”

Takuya Shimazaki, Manager at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital

“It has been a pleasure to participate in Visual Bank's Series B round, especially given their thoughtful approach in addressing the complexities surrounding generative AI and creator rights.”

Ryan Kuo, Managing Director at CDIB Cross-Border Innovation Fund

“We are honored to be part of Visual Bank’s journey and appreciate their commitment to bringing necessary expertise in the rapidly evolving IP x AI space.”

Hiring Opportunities

Visual Bank is actively recruiting from various fields, including business, academia, and the creative sector, to strengthen its team and tackle the challenges of the emerging IP and AI landscape.
For inquiries and applications, check out: Careers