The stop motion animation industry in the US blends creativity with technology to bring characters and stories to life. Companies range from large studios like Laika and Aardman Animations to smaller indie producers, utilizing meticulous physical models, puppets, and cut-outs. This technique fosters a unique visual style that captivates audiences of all ages. With the rise of streaming services and demand for original content, stop motion is experiencing a resurgence, often combined with CGI to enhance storytelling. Today, innovative tools and software are streamlining production processes, making this age-old art form more accessible and appealing than ever.


Investors in the stop motion animation landscape vary from venture capital firms like Y Combinator in San Francisco to corporate giants like Disney based in Burbank. The investment scene features firms ranging from start-ups to well-established entities, showcasing varying deal counts in 2024. With more than 1,000 investors at play, the industry is attracting significant capital across different funding stages. Companies founded recently, like Deep Tech Fund, reflect growing interest, while established firms like Insight Partners demonstrate a commitment to ongoing development in this creative sector, consistently honing their portfolios to meet evolving market demands.


Top 18 Stop Motion Animation 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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its various investments, Y Combinator has participated in funding rounds for companies like Durioo+, which raised $2.85 million to expand its animation content and collaborate with other studios. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's interest in the animation industry, making it a relevant investor for projects in the stop motion animation sector.


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 founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024 alone, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they participated in the funding of Progressive Generation, a production house that aims to develop a child-friendly video-on-demand platform, indicating their interest in media and content creation. Additionally, their involvement in various funding rounds for startups like PixelFish, which focuses on video advertising, further highlights their engagement in the video content space, which could extend to stop motion animation projects.


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 various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, 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 the stop motion animation industry, the Government of Canada has been involved in several grant transactions aimed at supporting production companies. For instance, in August 2022, it provided grants to Imagine Create Media, 10th Ave Productions, and E.D. FILMS, all of which are involved in media production. Additionally, Spectrum Productions received a grant of $464,945 in November 2022, and DigiBC raised $532,485 in September 2024, further indicating the government's commitment to fostering creative industries, including animation.


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 founded in 2017, based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in investments in gaming and emerging technologies. With a team of 11-50 professionals, they have made 26 investments in 2024 alone. BITKRAFT is known for its focus on Synthetic Reality™, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notably, they have invested in Trioscope Studios, which raised $5.25 million to enhance its animation technology and expand its original content, indicating a direct interest in animation. Additionally, they have supported AMGI Studios in its metaverse project, which also involves animated content. These transactions highlight BITKRAFT's engagement with the animation sector, particularly in innovative and technology-driven projects.


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 the entertainment and media sector, providing a wide range of products and services, including movies, television shows, and theme parks. Disney is known for its iconic characters and franchises, catering to families and fans of all ages. Notably, Disney 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 acclaimed animated films. Additionally, Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 further expanded its portfolio in storytelling and animation. While their primary focus may not be solely on stop motion animation, their involvement in various animation projects, including notable stop motion films, highlights their relevance in this area.


6. 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 video game developer and software publisher based in Cary, North Carolina, known for developing the Unreal Engine and popular games like Fortnite. Founded in 1991, the company serves both game developers and consumers, providing tools for game creation and entertainment. In recent years, Epic Games has made significant investments in the animation sector, including a notable investment in Spire Animation Studios, which raised $20 million to produce animated features using Unreal Engine. This investment highlights Epic's commitment to advancing animation technology. Additionally, their acquisition of Cubic Motion, a company specializing in realistic facial animations, and 3Lateral, which focuses on character animation, further demonstrates their interest in enhancing animation capabilities that could be applicable in various forms of animation, including stop motion. These transactions indicate that Epic Games is not only focused on gaming but is also actively contributing to the animation industry.


7. 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 provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions in the animation space, including a $12 million Series A funding round for Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio, and a $7.5 million funding round for Anything World, which has developed a high-fidelity 3D animation system. These investments highlight Gaingels' interest in the animation industry and its potential for growth and innovation.


8. Boost VC

  • Website: boost.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: boost-vc

Boost VC is a venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in connecting accredited investors with innovative deep tech startups through events like the Deep Tech Demo Day. Boost VC has made a significant number of investments across various high-tech industries, showcasing emerging technologies. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the seed funding round for Aquifer Motion, an AI-powered animation platform that enables content creators to produce high-quality animated content quickly. This investment highlights Boost VC's interest in animation technology. Additionally, they have invested in Skybound Entertainment, a company that engages in various forms of media, including animation, which further emphasizes their involvement in the animation sector. Their diverse portfolio also includes investments in companies like Tvori, which is relevant to animation, although specific details on the funding amount were not disclosed. Overall, Boost VC's engagement in the animation technology space positions them as a relevant investor in the stop motion animation industry.


9. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has invested in Ten Ton Raygun, a company involved in stop motion animation, during a seed round in January 2014. Additionally, they have made significant investments in Contents First, a company that has raised multiple rounds of funding, although its direct relevance to stop motion animation is less clear. Overall, while SOSV primarily focuses on deep tech, their investment in Ten Ton Raygun highlights their potential interest in the animation industry.


10. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality startup opportunities. Among its notable transactions, the fund participated in the funding of Anything World, a London-based startup that has developed a high-fidelity 3D animation system, raising $7.5 million to expand its team and launch its technology. This involvement highlights the fund's interest in the animation sector, particularly in innovative technologies that could intersect with stop motion animation. Additionally, the fund has invested in other technology-driven companies, indicating a broader focus on tech advancements that could benefit various creative industries.


11. 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, focusing on building consumer businesses across various industries, 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 sector, including a $25 million Series B investment in Baobab Studios, a leader in animated storytelling that often employs stop motion techniques. They also participated in a $6 million Series A round for Baobab Studios, showcasing their ongoing support for innovative animation projects. Furthermore, Tcg's acquisition of a majority stake in Crunchyroll, a prominent streaming service for anime content, highlights their commitment to the animation industry as a whole. These transactions underline Tcg's strategic interest in animation, making them a noteworthy investor in the stop motion animation landscape.


12. Samsung Next

  • Website: samsungnext.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 49
  • LinkedIn: samsung-next

Samsung Next is a venture capital firm based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2012. The firm invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Healthtech, and Consumer Services. They focus on empowering ambitious founders by providing capital and resources to help them develop innovative solutions. Notably, Samsung Next has made significant investments in the animation sector, particularly with Baobab Studios, where they participated in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, contributing a total of $31 million. Baobab Studios is recognized for its pioneering work in animated storytelling, which aligns with the interests of stop motion animation. Additionally, Samsung Next has invested in other technology-driven creative companies, indicating a broader interest in innovative content creation.


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 based in Norwood, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in media, technology, and web3 startups, providing not only capital but also strategic support and access to a robust network of industry relationships. Among their notable investments is Baobab Studios, which raised $6 million in a Series A round in December 2015. Baobab Studios is recognized for its innovative animated storytelling, which includes projects that utilize stop motion techniques. Additionally, Advancit Capital has invested in other media-related companies such as Indigenous Media and Crypt TV, further demonstrating their commitment to the media landscape. Their diverse portfolio indicates a potential interest in various forms of animation, including stop motion, making them a relevant player in this sector.


14. MaC Venture Capital


MaC Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, primarily targeting technology startups. They provide funding and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses through operational excellence, marketing strategies, and access to a network of influencers. Notably, MaC Venture Capital has invested in Wonder Dynamics, a company that raised significant funding to enhance its VFX capabilities, which could intersect with stop motion animation techniques. Their investment in Wonder Dynamics, which has raised a total of $11.5 million across multiple funding rounds, highlights their interest in innovative visual technologies. However, their other investments, such as in Mansa, a streaming platform, and Stampede Ventures, do not directly relate to the animation industry, indicating a broader focus on technology rather than a specific commitment to animation or film.


15. Insight Partners

  • Website: insightpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 64
  • LinkedIn: insight--partners

Insight Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in providing investment and advisory services to high-growth technology and software companies. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has a strong track record of supporting portfolio companies through capital investment and operational expertise. Notably, Insight Partners has invested in companies like Tongal, which develops video content and has raised multiple funding rounds with their support. This involvement in creative content platforms suggests a broader interest in the media and entertainment sectors, which could encompass stop motion animation projects. Additionally, their investment in Tetavi, a company focused on technology growth, indicates their engagement with innovative content creation technologies, further aligning with the potential for stop motion animation investments.


16. Comcast Ventures

  • Website: comcastventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: comcast-ventures

Comcast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 1999, that invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Data & AI, Health Tech, and Energy & Sustainability. They provide funding and leverage the resources of Comcast NBCUniversal to support the growth of their portfolio companies, primarily targeting early to growth stage businesses. Notably, Comcast Ventures has made significant investments in the animation sector, including Baobab Studios, which raised $25 million in Series B funding and $6 million in Series A funding, both aimed at enhancing their animated storytelling capabilities. Additionally, they led a $6.8 million Series A funding round for Félix & Paul Studios, which focuses on immersive VR experiences that often incorporate animation techniques. These transactions highlight Comcast Ventures' active role in supporting innovative animation projects, particularly in the realm of stop motion and related technologies.


17. Autodesk

  • Website: autodesk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a corporate investor based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1982. The company is renowned for its design and engineering software solutions across various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. In 2024, Autodesk has made significant strides in the media and entertainment sector, particularly in animation and visual effects. Notably, Autodesk acquired Wonder Dynamics, a company specializing in cloud-based 3D animation and VFX solutions, which enhances its Media & Entertainment portfolio. This acquisition aims to provide artists with innovative tools for creating 3D content more efficiently. Furthermore, Autodesk's acquisition of Golaem, a crowd simulation tool, demonstrates its intent to integrate advanced animation capabilities into its existing software offerings. These strategic moves position Autodesk as a key player in the animation industry, particularly relevant to stop motion animation creators seeking advanced tools and technologies.


18. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions, Carlyle serves institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the visual effects and animation sectors, acquiring companies such as The Mill, an advertising visual effects company, and The Foundry Visionmongers Ltd, a visual effects software developer. These acquisitions reflect Carlyle's commitment to supporting the expansion and diversification of companies that contribute to the animation industry. Additionally, their investment in disguise, a provider of live event visualization solutions, further demonstrates their engagement in technology-driven creative sectors. Overall, Carlyle's strategic investments in relevant companies position them as a noteworthy player in the animation landscape.



Stop Motion Animation 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
Epic GamesCary, North Carolina, United States (USA)1001-500019916
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Boost VCSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)1-10201218
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
TcgLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020105
Samsung NextMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-200201249
Advancit CapitalNorwood, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-1020115
MaC Venture CapitalLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1-10201912
Insight PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500199564
Comcast VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019994
AutodeskSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)10001+198212
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725


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