Bandai Namco launches 021 fund to accelerate its goal of building “metaverse concerning IP”

Bandai Namco has established 021 Fund aimed at creating partnerships with technology startups. This move should accelerate the company’s metaverse ambitions.

The Bandai Namco Entertainment 021 Fund will invest in startups in pre-seed to later growth stages that utilize blockchain, VR, AR, and are engaged in the metaverse and Web3-related business.

These startups will be able to receive investments from ¥10 million ($79k) to ¥500 million ($3.95 million), with the total size of annual investment being ¥1 billion ($7.9 million).

The 021 Fund will follow three strategies:

• Investing in startups and companies to introduce new technologies and create new forms of entertainment;
• Investing in technologies that will enable the delivery of entertainment between creators and customers;
• Investing in companies that strengthen connections between people in virtual spaces like the metaverse.

According to Bandai Namco, its ultimate goal is to “build a metaverse concerning IP” and create digital experiences where people from all around the world can immerse themselves in virtual worlds based on different brands.