What is iROKOtv?
iROKOtv operates as a premier web-based platform dedicated to the on-demand distribution of Nigerian films, commonly referred to as Nollywood. Founded in 2010 by Jason Njoku and Bastian Gotter, the company addressed a critical market void by providing a legal, accessible gateway for the global African diaspora to consume high-quality local content. By securing exclusive licensing agreements with Nigerian producers, iROKOtv has effectively digitized a massive, previously fragmented industry, positioning itself as the primary aggregator for African cinematic storytelling. Its business model, centered on subscription-based access, has proven instrumental in monetizing content in regions where traditional distribution networks were historically underdeveloped.
How much funding has iROKOtv raised?
iROKOtv has raised a total of $40M across 5 funding rounds:
Series A
$3M
Series B
$8M
Series C
$2M
Series D
$8M
Series E
$19M
Series A (2011): $3M with participation from Tiger Global Management
Series B (2012): $8M led by Tiger Global Management
Series C (2012): $2M supported by Kinnevik
Series D (2013): $8M featuring Kinnevik and Rise Capital
Series E (2016): $19M backed by AB Kinnevik and CANAL+
Key Investors in iROKOtv
AB Kinnevik
Kinnevik is an industry-focused investment company with an entrepreneurial spirit that partners with talented founders to build fast-growing digital consumer businesses.
CANAL+
CANAL+ is a major television entertainment provider offering a wide range of packages with local and international channels, movies, and sports content.
Rise Capital
Rise Capital is a global investment firm specializing in expansion-stage investments for Internet businesses operating within emerging markets.
What's next for iROKOtv?
Looking ahead, iROKOtv is poised to leverage its recent funding to deepen its penetration into the broader African digital ecosystem. The strategic focus will likely shift toward enhancing user experience through technological optimization and expanding its content acquisition pipeline to maintain a competitive edge against global streaming giants. By capitalizing on the growing mobile penetration across the continent, the company is well-positioned to scale its subscriber base and explore new revenue streams, including original content production and localized advertising models. The continued support from institutional partners suggests a long-term commitment to cementing iROKOtv as the definitive digital home for African entertainment.
See full iROKOtv company page
