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Viki funding, valuation and investors
Global streaming platform for Asian TV with fan-powered subtitles (acquired by Rakuten 2013).
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Funding, valuation & investors
Answer-first snapshotLatest funding
Series C
Amount not disclosed · 2013
Latest known valuation
$200M
Series C · 2013
Total disclosed equity funding
Not publicly disclosed
Excludes debt, grants, acquisitions, secondaries, and IPO proceeds.
Current status
acquired
acquired
Investors in latest funding
Other: Andreessen Horowitz
Overview
Viki operated a global video streaming platform specializing in Asian dramas and films, distinguished by community-generated subtitles in dozens of languages. Andreessen Horowitz participated in its 2013 funding round at approximately $200M valuation. Later in 2013, Rakuten acquired Viki to expand its digital content portfolio. The community subtitle model was novel for international content distribution before major platforms invested in global localization.
Why Viki is interesting
Viki's community subtitles unlocked Asian content globally — a16z Series C before Rakuten bought the fan-translation streaming model.
Product & use cases
Viki streamed licensed Asian content with crowdsourced subtitles — fans translated dialogue enabling global audiences for K-drama, C-drama, and other regional programming.
- Global fans watching Asian dramas with community subtitles
- Content licensors reaching international audiences
- Rakuten digital content portfolio expansion
Key facts
- Acquired by Rakuten (2013)
- Series C at ~$200M valuation; a16z participant
- Community-powered subtitle streaming for Asian content
Funding history (newest first)
Series C
2013 Valuation: $200MSource: https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/03/rakuten-acquires-viki/
Investors in our directory
Funds linked from Viki's profile — open a fund page for stage focus and related deal articles.
Competitive landscape
Edge: Community subtitle network lowered localization cost and built engaged fan communities around niche content.
Global streaming giants eventually replicated localization at scale; Viki's Rakuten acquisition rewarded community model before platform wars intensified.
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Netflix global content incumbent
Professional subtitles at scale; later invested heavily in K-content.
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Crunchyroll (anime) adjacent
Fan community model for anime streaming.
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Pirate fan-sub sites alternative
Illegal distribution; Viki offered licensed alternative.
Notable stories
- Viki proved fans would translate episodes for free at quality rivaling professional subs — Rakuten bought the community moat (TechCrunch, 2013).
Industries
Related funding articles
Venture Capital Tracker pieces that cover Viki's financing or category context.
FAQs about Viki
Practical answers founders, operators, and investors typically search for.
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