Tokyo Otaku Mode raises funding to promote Japanese geek culture

Tokyo Otaku Mode has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from three venture capital firms.

Tokyo Otaku Mode announced today that it has raised funds from three venture capital firms, YJ Capital, Itochu Technology Ventures and DG Incubation. The announcement, covered by SD Japan, saw the media startup with a focus on Japanese geek culture adding an undisclosed investment amount to its previously raised US$500,000 round from 500 Startups and several notable Japanese and US angel investors.

Founded in 2011, Tokyo Otaku Mode currently has over 10 million fans on its Facebook page. The startup also has plans to launch a premium e-commerce site as well. Currently, the website is a landing page where interested customers can sign up to be notified when launched.

Tokyo Otaku Mode’s advisors includes ex-Apple mobile ad head, Andy Miller. In an earlier interview with VentureBeat, CEO Tomo Kamei mentioned that 99 percent of users are from outside of Japan, proving the need for an English language site. The startup has also launched a smartphone camera app, Otaku Camera, that turns your pictures into manga-style works of art. The app’s latest update includes a collaboration with Hello Kitty, allowing users to add Hello Kitty frames. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.