The cartoon production industry in the US is a vibrant sector focused on creating animated content for various mediums, from television shows to feature films. Companies range from major studios like Disney and Warner Bros. to independent production houses. They offer a spectrum of animated genres, including children's programming, adult animation, and feature-length films. With advancements in technology, especially in animation software and virtual reality, creators are exploring new storytelling avenues. Streaming platforms are also hungry for fresh content, fueling demand for animated series that cater to younger audiences, altering traditional viewing habits and expanding market opportunities.


In this article, we explore a compelling mix of investors in the cartoon production sector, spanning corporate giants and venture capital firms. Prominent players like Warner Bros. and Disney, both headquartered in California, join early-stage funds such as SV Angel and generalists like Accel. Founded between 1914 and 2017, these investors vary in size from small teams to thousands of employees. In 2024 alone, they collectively engaged in numerous deals, shaping the future of animation and driving innovation across the industry.


Top 15 Cartoon Production Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the animation industry, such as Durioo, which raised $2.85 million in a seed funding round led by Y Combinator. Durioo aims to expand its global viewership and create more content through collaborations with animation studios and production houses. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative content creators in the cartoon production space, alongside its broader focus on technology startups.


2. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In the context of cartoon production, 500 Global has been involved in several relevant transactions. Notably, they participated in a funding round for Progressive Generation, a production house that aims to create a child-friendly video-on-demand platform offering edutainment content in Arabic and English. This aligns with the interests of the cartoon production industry. Additionally, their investments in Tapas Media, which focuses on digital comics and storytelling, further highlight their engagement with visual content creation. Overall, 500 Global's portfolio reflects a commitment to innovative content that could encompass cartoon production.


3. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. It operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of cartoon production, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions, providing grants to companies such as 10th Ave Productions, Imagine Create Media, E.D. FILMS, Eagel Vision, and Zone3. These grants, announced on various dates in 2022 and 2023, indicate the government's support for the creative industries, including animation and media production, thereby highlighting its role as an investor in the cartoon production sector.


4. BITKRAFT Ventures

  • Website: bitkraft.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: bitkraftvc

BITKRAFT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. Specializing in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, BITKRAFT provides funding and support to startups navigating growth challenges in these sectors. Their focus on Synthetic Reality™ positions them at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notably, BITKRAFT has made significant investments in companies relevant to cartoon production, such as Trioscope Studios, which raised $5.25 million to expand its business and enhance its animation technology. They also invested in AMGI Studios for its metaverse project, which likely involves animated content. Additionally, their investment in 555 Comic indicates an interest in comic and animated storytelling, further aligning them with the cartoon production space.


5. Disney and ESPN Media Networks


Disney and ESPN Media Networks, a division of The Walt Disney Company, is a corporate investor based in Burbank, California. Founded in 2004, the company operates in various entertainment sectors, including movies, television shows, and theme parks. Disney is particularly known for its iconic characters and franchises that resonate with families and fans of all ages. The company has made significant investments in the animation industry, including the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios for $7.4 billion in 2006, which has produced numerous critically acclaimed animated films. Additionally, Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4.05 billion and Marvel Entertainment in 2009 for $4 billion further solidifies its position in the entertainment landscape, allowing for the development of animated content based on popular franchises. Disney's extensive portfolio and commitment to storytelling through animation make it a key player in the cartoon production industry.


6. SV Angel

  • Website: svangel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: sv-angel

SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector, but has also made significant investments in media and entertainment. Notably, SV Angel invested in Funny Or Die, a comedy video website that produces a variety of comedic content, including animated shorts. They also invested in Brat TV, a digital media company that creates content for a younger audience, including scripted series that often feature animated elements. Additionally, their investment in Videopixie, a platform for video production, further showcases their engagement in the media landscape. Overall, SV Angel supports innovation and creativity in various sectors, including those relevant to cartoon production.


7. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. However, their portfolio includes significant investments in the entertainment industry, notably in Legendary Entertainment, which raised $128 million in 2012 and $40 million in 2011, both of which are involved in film and television production, including animated projects. Additionally, Accel's recent investment in Cartwheel, which raised $5.6 million in a seed round in 2024, indicates their ongoing interest in innovative media platforms that may encompass animated content. This diverse investment strategy positions Accel as a relevant player in the cartoon production landscape.


8. Greycroft

  • Website: greycroft.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: greycroft-partners

Greycroft is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, based in New York City, specializing in technology investments across various sectors, including software, sustainability, and consumer brands. The firm has a strong focus on innovative companies that are transforming their respective industries. Notably, Greycroft has invested in AwesomenessTV, which is known for its youth-oriented programming, including animated series. Additionally, Greycroft participated in funding Pocket.watch, an online video service that targets children aged 2 to 11, further emphasizing its interest in content creation for younger audiences. These transactions highlight Greycroft's engagement in the media landscape, particularly in areas that intersect with cartoon production.


9. Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies


Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies, founded in 1923 and based in Burbank, California, is a leading entertainment company specializing in film and television production, as well as video game development. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Warner Bros. offers a diverse range of movies, TV shows, and games, catering to various audiences. Notably, Warner Bros. has been involved in significant transactions within the cartoon production space, such as the acquisition of Cartoonito, which focuses on animated series for children, showcasing their commitment to producing engaging animated content. Additionally, their acquisition of Machinima, a platform known for its animated series and gaming content, further highlights their investment in the animation sector. These transactions illustrate Warner Bros.'s active role in the cartoon production industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


10. Epic Games

  • Website: epicgames.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cary, North Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: epic-games

Epic Games, Inc. is a prominent video game developer and software publisher based in Cary, North Carolina, known for its development of the Unreal Engine and popular games like Fortnite. Founded in 1991, the company has expanded its focus beyond gaming to include investments in animation and visual effects technologies. Notably, Epic Games invested in Spire Animation Studios, which raised $20 million to produce animated features using Unreal Engine, showcasing their commitment to the cartoon production industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Cubic Motion, a facial mapping startup, aims to enhance realistic facial animations, further bridging the gap between gaming and film. These strategic moves highlight Epic Games' role as a significant player in the animation sector, providing tools and technologies that can be utilized in cartoon production.


11. XRM Media

  • Website: xrmmedia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: xrmmedia

XRM Media is a corporate investor based in Burbank, California, founded in 2017. With a team size of 11-50, they have been involved in several notable transactions in the creative and animation sectors. In 2019, they participated in a venture round for Baobab Studios, a company recognized for its innovative animated experiences. They also invested in Einhorn's Epic Productions, which focuses on creating animated content. Other investments include Sonic Gods and AKA Virtual, although these are less directly related to cartoon production. Their focus on companies that contribute to the animation landscape positions them as a relevant player in the cartoon production industry.


12. Paramount

  • Website: paramount.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1914
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: paramountco

Paramount Global is a media and entertainment company based in New York, founded in 1914. It delivers premium content across various platforms worldwide, including film production, television broadcasting, and streaming through its well-known brands like Paramount Pictures and CBS. Paramount has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the animation and youth content sectors. Notably, in 2005, Paramount Pictures acquired DreamWorks SKG for $1.6 billion, gaining distribution rights to DreamWorks Animation's films for seven years. In 2016, they acquired AwesomenessTV, a digital media company focused on youth-oriented content. Furthermore, in 2018, Viacom (now part of Paramount) led a $15 million Series B fundraising round for Pocket.watch, an online video service targeting children aged 2 to 11, which aligns with their strategy to strengthen their presence in the youth market. These transactions highlight Paramount's active role in the cartoon production industry and its commitment to creating content for younger audiences.


13. Advancit Capital

  • Website: advancitcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Norwood, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: advancit-capital

Advancit Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in Norwood, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in investing in media, technology, and web3 startups, providing not only capital but also strategic support and access to a vast network of industry relationships. Among their notable transactions, Advancit Capital invested in Baobab Studios, which raised $6 million in a Series A round in December 2015, focusing on animated storytelling. They also participated in funding rounds for Brat TV, which raised $10 million in a Series A and $2.5 million in a seed round, producing content that resonates with younger audiences, including animated series. These investments highlight Advancit Capital's engagement in the cartoon production and animation sectors, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative media ventures.


14. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm focuses on providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups, aiming to enhance diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Notably, Gaingels has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the animation sector, such as Invisible Universe, which raised $12M in Series A funding to launch new animated IP across social media and web3. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for Invisible Universe, showcasing their commitment to supporting animation projects. Their investment strategy not only emphasizes financial backing but also includes scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity, further contributing to a more inclusive media landscape.


15. Tcg

  • Website: tcg.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: the-chernin-group

The Chernin Group (Tcg) is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in building consumer businesses across various sectors, including digital media and health and wellness. Tcg provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams, helping them scale their operations and realize their visions. Notably, Tcg has made significant investments in the animation industry, including a $25 million Series B investment in Baobab Studios, known for its innovative animated storytelling, and a $12 million Series A investment in Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio focused on launching new animated IP. Furthermore, Tcg acquired a majority stake in Crunchyroll, a leading global video streaming service for anime content, highlighting their commitment to the animation sector and their strategic interest in expanding their portfolio within the cartoon production industry.



Cartoon Production Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
Disney and ESPN Media NetworksBurbank, California, United States (USA)10001+20047
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
GreycroftNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200620
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of CompaniesBurbank, California, United States (USA)10001+19230
Epic GamesCary, North Carolina, United States (USA)1001-500019916
XRM MediaBurbank, California, United States (USA)11-5020170
ParamountNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19140
Advancit CapitalNorwood, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-1020115
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
TcgLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020105


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