6 Korean Startups Eye Japan's Entertainment Market

D.CAMP Establishes Bridgehead for K-Startup Entry into Japanese Entertainment Market in Tokyo D.CAMP, a startup growth partner, successfully held the 'D.CAMP Startup OI Tokyo #Entertainment' open innovation program in Tokyo on the 11th, laying the groundwork for Korean startups to enter the Japanese market. This event was held in collaboration with six major corporate venture capitalists (CVCs) in the Japanese entertainment industry, including TBS Innovation Partners (TBS-IP). In addition to TBS-IP, key players in the Japanese entertainment and media sectors such as Bandai Namco 021 Fund, Sega Sammy Holdings, Shochiku Ventures, NTT Docomo Ventures, and StylingLife Holdings participated. This marks the second joint open innovation program between D.CAMP and TBS-IP. D.CAMP connects the mid-to-long-term strategies and collaboration demands of major Japanese corporations with Korean startups, supporting them in building optimized collaboration models for the local market. To this end, six Korean startups jointly selected by D.CAMP and TBS-IP refined their business proposals and planned new businesses targeting Japanese companies through approximately two months of intensive mentoring. The six innovative startups that participated in this program are as follows: * **TAKEONE COMPANY:** A comprehensive content company expanding beyond K-pop idol IP-based game production (e.g., BTS, BLACKPINK) into media mix content production such as dramas and films. * **SLASH B SLASH:** An IP tech specialist targeting the MZ generation, embedding lifestyle and fan culture through character IP-linked accessories. * **Anipen:** A generative AI-based XR platform developer, preparing for the global launch of 'loomloom,' an AI platform that brings users' imaginations to reality. * **bemyfriends:** A global fandom business specialist, developing and operating 'b.stage,' a total fandom business solution, providing IT infrastructure, IP business, and consulting. * **VERSEWORKS:** An interactive media production studio expanding its business primarily through the development of user-generated content (UGC)-based games like Roblox and Fortnite. * **INEDIT:** Operates 'BranderZin,' a content marketing platform that directly connects brands and creators, possessing a network of approximately 7,000 creators primarily in Korea and Japan. D.CAMP has conducted three open innovation programs in Japan, resulting in 22 startups cumulatively holding meaningful business meetings with major Japanese corporations, with some startups already showing significant progress in business discussions. D.CAMP plans to continue open innovation next year with partners from various industry sectors, including TBS-IP, actively supporting Korean startups' entry into the Japanese and global markets.