Japan’s leading YouTube multi-channel network, Uuum, is slated to go public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) on Aug. 30.
Uuum’s TSE application has been approved, reports The Bridge, and the company will be listed on the Mothers market, which is designated for startup companies. Uuum was founded in Tokyo in 2013, and represents 3,500 top channels who clock 2.3 billion monthly YouTube views, including Hikakin (who co-founded the company), Hajime, Yuka Kinoshita (see below), and Risa Sekine. In addition to channel management and brand deals, the company also creates original content and hosts live events.
Uuum will offer a total of 292,300 shares, with prices to be released on Aug. 10. As of May 2017, Uuum has clocked revenues of roughly $30 million, according to The Bridge, and a net profit of $1.7 million. CEO Kazuki Kamada currently holds the largest stake in the company at 39%, followed by Japanese singer-songwriter Anri (17%) and venture capital firm Jafco (15%).
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In May, Uuum announced a comprehensive licensing agreement with Nintendo, which is notoriously protective of its digital rights. The agreement will enable Uuum’s multitude of ‘Let’s Play’ gaming channels to feature Nintendo games in their streams.
Earlier this year, Uuum partnered with user-generated video powerhouse Jukin Media to launch Video Pizza, a Japanese digital brand for funny clips.
