What is Viki?
Rakuten Viki operates as a specialized streaming platform dedicated to the distribution of Asian dramas and cinematic content. By offering a vast catalog of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese titles, the platform serves as a vital conduit for cultural exchange. Its unique value proposition lies in its community-driven subtitling model, which allows enthusiasts to contribute to the localization of content, thereby fostering a highly engaged user base. Positioned at the intersection of entertainment and technology, Viki has successfully carved out a niche that appeals to a global audience seeking high-quality, culturally specific media.
How much funding has Viki raised?
Viki has raised a total of $24.3M across 2 funding rounds:
Series A
$4.3M
Series B
$20M
Series A (2010): $4.3M with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Neoteny Labs, BBC Worldwide Ltd, Charles River Ventures, Inc., SK Planet, and Greylock Partners
Series B (2011): $20M led by Greylock Partners, SK PLANET, Charles River Ventures, Inc., Neoteny Labs, BBC Worldwide Ltd, and Andreessen Horowitz
Key Investors in Viki
Andreessen Horowitz
A prominent venture capital firm that invests in software-eating-the-world companies, providing strategic guidance to high-growth technology startups.
Charles River Ventures, Inc.
A long-standing venture capital firm specializing in early-stage technology investments, known for partnering with founders from inception through to IPO.
BBC Worldwide Ltd
The commercial arm of the British public service broadcaster, focusing on global content distribution and media production partnerships.
What's next for Viki?
Looking ahead, Viki is well-positioned to capitalize on the surging global demand for non-English language content. The strategic backing received during its growth phases provides the necessary runway to further invest in original content production and platform infrastructure. As the streaming market matures, Viki's focus will likely shift toward deepening its integration within the broader Rakuten ecosystem, optimizing its monetization strategies, and leveraging data analytics to personalize the viewer experience. The company remains a critical asset in the digital entertainment space, poised to maintain its leadership in the niche of Asian media distribution.
See full Viki company page
