Sekai Studio

About Sekai Studio

Sekai Studio is a venture aiming to create interactive and social experiences for anime fans, bridging the gap between anime episodes. The company was co-founded in 2021 by Wladi C. and Thomas Jestin. Both founders bring relevant experience to the venture; Wladi previously co-founded a video game studio and has a background in social media and influencer marketing, while Thomas has experience as a CTO and in software engineering. Their shared passion for anime and gaming fuels the company's direction.

Operating in the global anime market, which was valued at approximately USD 25 billion in 2021 and continues to grow, Sekai Studio targets the vast and engaged community of anime enthusiasts. The business model appears to be centered around creating licensed digital products in partnership with major Japanese anime licensors. By securing these partnerships, the company gains access to established intellectual properties and their dedicated fan bases.

The core offering involves developing immersive experiences that allow fans to engage with their favorite anime worlds beyond just watching the show. This is achieved through the creation of what the company calls 'Anime Extensions,' which are interactive experiences designed to be played on platforms like Discord and web browsers. One of their initial projects is an officially licensed game based on the popular anime series *Jujutsu Kaisen*. This product allows fans to collect characters, participate in missions, and interact with the story's universe, providing a continuous engagement loop. The company generates revenue by monetizing these interactive experiences, likely through in-app purchases or similar microtransaction models common in the gaming industry.

Sekai Studio has attracted significant early-stage backing from a diverse group of investors, indicating confidence in its market approach. Notable investors include Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian through his firm 776, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and prominent figures from the gaming and tech industries like Xavier Niel and Alexandre Yazdi of Voodoo Games. With offices in Paris and Tokyo, the company is strategically positioned to connect with both the European entertainment tech scene and the heart of the anime industry in Japan.