Quick take:
- Invisible Universe will launch new animated IP across Web3 and social media.
- The funding round was led by Alexis Ohanian’s VC firm Seven Seven Six.
- Invisible Universe develops and debuts original animated character franchises with high-profile celebrities on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio, today announced that it has raised $12 million in series A funding, led by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s VC, Seven Seven Six.
Cosmic Venture Partners, Dapper Labs, Franklin Templeton, Gaingels, Initialized Capital, Schusterman Family Investments, Wheelhouse and Spencer Rascoff’s 75 & Sunny participated in the round. Other big names at the cap table include Serena Williams, Jennifer Aniston, TCG, CASSIUS, and Will Smith’s Dreamers VC.
Invisible Universe develops and debuts original animated character franchises with high-profile celebrities on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. The distributed animation studio has created TikTok accounts to bring to life characters including Serena Williams’ daughter’s doll named Qai Qai; Squeaky & Roy, the long-lost toys of TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio; Clydeo, Jennifer Aniston’s best furry friend; and more.
Across all accounts, Invisible Universe has over 8.5 million fans and boasts an average of more than 10% engagement rate. By leveraging the power and reach of high-growth social media platforms, Invisible Universe has demonstrated a model to popularise IP and then expand the franchise’s media footprint.
“We’re seeing the power of can’t-live-without-it-IP and how it’s driving the growth and retention of audiences regardless of the platform and igniting potential for franchise expansions,” said Holloway, Founding Partner of Seven Seven Six and Board Member of Invisible Universe. “I saw the Pixar magic up close, and this company is building the same kind of unforgettable IP with an innovative approach that reduces both time and capital while embracing audience feedback.”
The company has already expanded Qai Qai, its first breakout success, with a collection of sold-out NFTs on children’s social platform Zigazoo.
“Invisible Universe has pioneered what it means to launch indelible character IP on the Internet,” said Tricia Biggio, CEO of Invisible Universe. “Our characters have captured the hearts of audiences, made them laugh, and allowed them to feel seen while providing a moment of delight in the timelines of their favorite social platforms. This capital from our incredible investors and partners allows us to seed and grow more IP and to commercialize our franchises at scale. When my two toddlers ask for Qai Qai or Clydeo instead of mainstream favorites, I know we’re building something special.”
Off the back of its success of popularising IP on Web2 platforms, Invisible Universe will launch its first Web3 franchise, The R3al Metaverse, a community-driven NFT project where holders can influence the storytelling of the animated series, which is a parody of reality TV house-shows.
Launching early this fall, the series features animated characters inspired by recognisable NFT projects. Holders of the series Producer Pass NFTs will have a chance to have their NFT characters animated and brought into the series.
Stay up to date:
