Harbourview'S $30M Bet On Lion Forge: A New Chapter In Animation

HarbourView's Bold Move in Animation

HarbourView Equity Partners has made headlines by leading a $30 million investment in Lion Forge Entertainment, the studio renowned for the Oscar-winning animated short, Hair Love. This significant financial boost reflects HarbourView's increasing influence in the media landscape and follows their recent $85 million investment in Animaj, a Paris-based kids and family entertainment company.

In a recent statement, Sherrese Clarke, HarbourView's CEO, emphasized how the investment aligns with their vision. "We believe that content has the extraordinary power to influence the world," she said. By supporting Lion Forge, HarbourView aims to tap into the studio's creative potential to deliver authentic and compelling stories that can resonate globally.

A Strategic Expansion

This strategic move is part of HarbourView’s broader ambition to expand its portfolio, which already includes a diverse array of media and IP assets across film, television, and music. The company has been actively securing funds, having recently acquired $500 million in debt financing backed by its extensive music catalog. With over 70 music catalogs under its belt, the firm manages significant assets, including rights from artists like T-Pain, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, and Wiz Khalifa.

Lion Forge, founded in 2019 by David Steward II, is one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America. It focuses on producing content that caters to kids, families, young adults, and adults. The studio plans to use the new funding to enrich its content library and explore new avenues in storytelling.

Collaborations and Future Prospects

With the fresh infusion of capital, Lion Forge is poised to accelerate its development efforts and broaden its collaborations. The studio is working with Penguin Young Readers on adapting children's books and recently teamed up with George R.R. Martin to create an adult animated feature based on his novella A Dozen Tough Jobs.

Stephanie Sperber, President and Chief Creative Officer at Lion Forge, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with HarbourView: "We work with incredible creators and exceptional IP, and the backing of HarbourView will allow us to develop and invest in expanding our library."

David Steward II also highlighted the importance of this partnership for Lion Forge's growth. "This is a validating moment for our young company," he noted, reflecting on the synergy between HarbourView's investment strategy and Lion Forge's franchise-building expertise.

Looking ahead, Lion Forge is set to continue pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, while HarbourView solidifies its position as a key player in the entertainment industry.