Table of Contents
Animoca Brands and Ibex Japan Launch Web3 Entertainment Fund for Anime and Manga IP
Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based gaming software firm, has joined forces with Ibex Japan to establish a Web3 entertainment investment fund. This initiative aims to transition Japan’s underutilised anime and manga intellectual property (IP) to blockchain platforms.
The collaboration was announced at the WebX conference in Tokyo, where Animoca’s co-founder and chairman, Yat Siu, along with senior adviser Keyvan Peymani and Ibex Japan partner Sandeep Casi, laid out the details of the project.
A Wealth of Untapped Potential
Casi highlighted that an astonishing 90% to 99% of Japan’s IP remains dormant, signifying substantial untapped value. He referenced Antler’s expansive influence across 22 cities, with assets under management amounting to AU$1.82 billion (US$1.2 billion) and a global network that includes around 250,000 entrepreneurs. This extensive backing is intended to enhance the fund’s international reach and impact.
Revitalising a Booming Market
The global anime sector is currently valued at AU$51 billion (US$34 billion) and is anticipated to grow to AU$106.4 billion (US$70 billion) by 2032. This growth is largely attributed to digital-first distribution models and the emergence of innovative consumption channels, including blockchain technology.
NFTs centred on anime and manga have gained significant traction, especially among younger audiences worldwide. Following a recent surge, the NFT market capitalisation had reached AU$14.14 billion (US$9.3 billion) by August 2025, marking a 40% increase from the previous month. This resurgence is connected to Ethereum’s remarkable price rally, with the cryptocurrency reaching an all-time high of AU$7,627 (US$4,953).
Future Prospects
Both Casi and Peymani will act as co-general partners of the fund, focusing on licensing underutilised Japanese franchises and financing novel Web3 products. Details regarding initial investment targets are expected to be released in the coming months.
This initiative could serve as a catalyst for revitalising the anime industry, unlocking the vast potential of dormant intellectual property and harnessing the growing popularity of blockchain technology.
Conclusion
The synergy between Animoca Brands and Ibex Japan reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where traditional forms of media are increasingly finding new life through innovative technologies. By merging these two powerful entities, the partnership aims to breathe fresh life into Japan’s rich tapestry of anime and manga, ultimately transforming how fans engage with these beloved forms of entertainment.
