Sign up for the Daily Newsletter, sent exclusively to our Premium subscribers. We break down the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community. Get the newsletter in your inbox everyday with a Premium subscription.
Hello reader,
I like anime.
I’m sure there are many different opinions about whether that makes me a weeaboo – a term used to describe someone obsessed with Japanese culture, especially anime. But I’d say it doesn’t really matter. As long as I like the content, I’m happy to watch more.
That said, my watchlist has gradually shrunk over the last few years as my interest waned. Only big hits like Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer have really pulled me back toward the medium, although I’m still on the lookout for nice but less-well-known shows. So feel free to recommend some to me.
Today’s story takes a look at anime but with a twist: what if instead of being on a computer or mobile screen, people could see and interact with their favorite characters in the metaverse? A company trying to do just that recently got acquired – read on to find out more.
Today we look at:
- A Web3 firm buying an Anime Metaverse
- Kuaishou’s outstanding financial performance in the recent quarter
- Other newsy highlights such as Ant Group’s partnership with a Malaysia-based financial services company and Tokopedia’s new subscription plan.
Premium summary
Weeb3
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Credit to my colleague, Winston, for the title of today’s premium summary – should’ve seen that coming.
LiquidX, a Web3 venture capital studio, has acquired a 70% stake in Anime Metaverse, an anime- and manga-focused publishing and licensing company, for an undisclosed amount. This could mean that we’re one step closer to seeing fan-favorite anime characters in virtual reality.
- Big history in crypto: LiquidX isn’t just any VC firm. Its founder, Kendrick Wong, was an early investor in Polkadot, BNB Chain, and more. Currently, LiquidX invests in and also plans to operate Web3 businesses that it acquires.
- Eren Yeager in the metaverse?: Anime Metaverse is looking to work with popular anime brands to launch their characters as NFT collections. The platform’s other features include an in-game economy, where they can earn game rewards like pets, consumables, and land, along with real-world benefits like whitelists, free mints, and anime convention passes.
- Maybe loosen up on the cat ears: Anime Metaverse has already put out its first digital collection, which was launched three months ago. Judging by the fact that it was sold out, it appears that the firm has a winning idea on its hands. Even amid the latest crypto crash, the collection’s floor price remained 25% higher than its original mint price.
Read more: Exclusive: Polkadot early investor’s Web3 firm buys Anime Metaverse
A rising contender
Tech in Asia Conference
Quick bytes
Events happening
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
