b.stage

About b.stage

b.stage operates as a comprehensive, direct-to-fan platform, enabling creators and brands to build and manage their own customized fan communities. The company, officially known as bemyfriends, was established in January 2021 by a team of experts with a background in the global fandom business, including key figures who developed the Weverse platform for K-pop group BTS. Co-founder and co-CEO Steve Wooseok Seo previously served as the CEO of Weverse Company (formerly beNX), where he oversaw the launch of Weverse and its e-commerce counterpart, Weverse Shop, scaling it to 220 countries. This experience directly informed the creation of b.stage, aiming to provide a solution for creators who wanted more ownership and control over their fan interactions rather than using a shared platform.

The business operates on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, providing clients with an all-in-one solution for their fandom business needs. This integrated platform allows artists, esports teams, and other brands to manage content, community interactions, global e-commerce, memberships, and live streaming from a single dashboard. Clients range from K-pop artists like ATEEZ, Hwasa, and Taemin to esports organizations such as T1 and brands like World of Dance. The platform gives creators full ownership of the data generated, enabling them to analyze fan behavior and tailor their strategies accordingly. Revenue is generated through various monetization tools offered to the platform owners, including tiered subscription-based memberships for fans, direct sales of digital and physical merchandise, and ticketed live events. The company also offers consulting services, IP business advice, and global logistics support through partnerships.

Launched globally in April 2022, the b.stage platform quickly gained traction, surpassing one million monthly active users from 224 countries within two years. The company has successfully raised approximately $29 million in funding, with its Series A round including investments from CJ Group, Cleveland Avenue, and SparkLabs. This capital is being used to fuel global expansion, particularly in the United States and Japan, with a Japanese subsidiary established to support local artists. The platform's features are continually evolving, with additions like 'b.stage POP' for real-time 1:1 and group communication and 'datalabs' for enhanced marketing analytics, positioning it as a key infrastructure provider in the creator and fandom economy.