FundraiseOct 16, 2026, 05:13 UTC

Japan's STAR Collection raises VTuber funding, lifting total to $190K

What's the deal? Tokyo-based STAR Collection has raised an early-stage round via a third-party share allotment from the Hyogo Regional Revitalization Fund Investment Limited Partnership, the company announced in October 2026. The fund is backed by Minato Bank, Minato Capital, Shinki Bus, and Hyogo Shinkin Bank. The deal brings the startup's cumulative funding to US$223.1K (roughly $190,000).

What does it do? STAR Collection is a VTuber music production company that handles everything from creating and developing virtual artists to building metaverse spaces and running live music events. It currently manages two in-house artists, "VIKKii" and "Riruwo."

Why now? In October 2025, the company launched STAR LIVE, its own 3D video streaming platform that lets it control rendering, camerawork, and staging in-house. The new capital will fund music production, promotion, and further platform development.

What's the endgame? Chief executive officer Makoto Osawa says the company wants to carry Japan's music and IP culture to global audiences through its own live system. It is also pursuing tie-ups with local firms to link virtual and real-world activity for regional revitalisation.

Investor view: Minato Capital said it backed the company after assessing its growth potential in the VTuber and metaverse market, built around STAR LIVE. It expects the startup to promote Japanese music and IP content at home and abroad while contributing to regional revitalisation through local partnerships.

The signal: The round shows regional Japanese banks and public-private funds moving into virtual entertainment, betting that VTuber and metaverse ventures can double as tools for local economic development.