Bandai Namco Entertainment disclosed an investment in SAMANSA, a Tokyo-based short film distribution platform, through its corporate venture arm as the gaming giant searches for fresh intellectual property sources beyond traditional development channels.
The undisclosed investment via the 021 Fund marks another attempt by the entertainment conglomerate to diversify content pipelines. SAMANSA operates a streaming service featuring approximately 700 short films from global creators, targeting audiences seeking quick entertainment during spare moments.
The partnership signals Bandai Namco’s recognition that compelling characters and storylines increasingly emerge from non-traditional sources. However, the company’s track record of successfully monetizing such investments remains unproven, particularly given the challenge of adapting short-form content into the sprawling franchises that drive its core business.
SAMANSA, founded in 2021, previously raised $1.84 million from investors including GENDA Capital and XTech Ventures. The startup operates across Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand, with planned expansion to North American markets.
The 021 Fund, launched in 2022 and recently expanded as Bandai Namco’s sole corporate venture vehicle, typically invests ¥10 million to ¥300 million ($68,000-$2 million) per deal. The fund has completed 16 investments globally, focusing on entertainment technologies and IP development.
Bandai Namco expects to identify potential franchises from SAMANSA’s catalog and future productions, leveraging its animation and merchandising capabilities to develop characters into broader commercial properties. The strategy reflects industry pressure to discover hit content as traditional gaming revenues face headwinds from increased competition and changing consumer preferences.
The investment comes as short-form content gains traction globally, though monetizing such material into sustainable entertainment franchises remains challenging for established media companies seeking billion-dollar properties.
