TLDR: Visual Bank, a Tokyo-based company, has successfully raised ¥1.1 billion (approximately $7.5 million USD) in Series B funding. This investment will accelerate its mission to integrate artificial intelligence into Japan’s intellectual property (IP) sectors, particularly manga and anime production, through its subsidiary THE PEN and the development of a next-generation data library.
Tokyo, Japan – Visual Bank Co., Ltd. announced today the successful closure of its Series B funding round, securing approximately ¥1.1 billion (equivalent to about $7.5 million USD). The funding initiative, led by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital, saw participation from a diverse group of investors including CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund, Incubate Fund, Aozora Corporate Investment, SMBC Venture Capital, and W fund. The announcement, made on August 25, 2025, underscores Visual Bank’s commitment to its vision of becoming an ‘IP x AI Enabler’ within Japan’s vibrant creative industries.
The company’s core mission is to bridge the gap between intellectual property, such as manga and anime, and the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. The newly acquired capital is earmarked for several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening this intersection. A significant portion of the investment will be directed towards accelerating the growth of THE PEN Inc., a Visual Bank subsidiary. THE PEN specializes in developing AI-powered tools designed to assist manga creators, enabling them to ‘draw more’ and enhance their productivity.
Furthermore, Visual Bank plans to bolster and expand its IP x AI services by establishing a next-generation data library for Japan’s IP sector. This ambitious project is supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and NEDO’s GENIAC initiative, reflecting a national effort to foster AI development while meticulously respecting and protecting the value of creative intellectual property. The company also intends to pursue strategic mergers and acquisitions and attract top talent to further solidify its position in the market.
Ryan Kuo, Managing Director of CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund (CCBI), expressed enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “CCBI is truly honored to participate in Visual Bank’s Series B funding round. We place great value on the specialized expertise required for ‘IP x AI,’ the strong execution capabilities of the leadership team, and the rising importance of rights-cleared datasets in the era of generative AI. By leveraging our extensive networks in Japan, Taiwan, and beyond, we will strongly support Visual Bank’s global growth.” This sentiment highlights the growing recognition of the critical role AI plays in the future of content creation and the importance of ethically sourced data.
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Visual Bank’s efforts are particularly timely given the increasing global demand for digital content. By integrating AI into the production pipeline, the company aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Japan’s creative industry, ensuring that innovation proceeds hand-in-hand with the preservation of artistic integrity and intellectual property rights.
