Youneek Studios Secure VC Investment To Produce Its First Animated Series
Feb. 4, 2021, 1:18 p.m.
Roy Okupe, creative director and founder of Youneek Studios has secured VC investment from Impact X Capital to transform his African themed graphic novels into animated series.
Impact X Capital is a double bottom line VC, founded to support diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs across Europe.
The funding comes shortly after Youneek Studios signed a 10-book deal with acclaimed entertainment publisher, Dark Horse Comics.
"This is an unprecedented time for stories inspired by African history and culture," says Okupe. "Our mission has always been to empower African creatives and storytelling. We've done it successfully in the comic book industry and with Impact X Capital, we're excited at the opportunity to do it in the animation space, with as many people as possible creating these stories who look like the characters in them."
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Roy is working with TV industry veteran Erica Motley, creative partner at Impact X Capital, to bring the series to screens worldwide, starting with 'Iyanu: Child of Wonder'.
According to Motley, "Impact X Capital is thrilled to partner with YouNeek Studios to bring its first animated series to life. With its stunning African locations, brilliant themes of unity and community, and rare focus on Black Girl Magic, 'Iyanu' represents our aim to create outstanding, multicultural content by exceptional, diverse talent."
Inspired by Yoruba history, culture and folklore the story centers around a teenage orphan with amnesia who discovers she has powers that could save the entire world.
The other stories to be animated are Malika: Warrior Queen, which follows the journey of a woman who inherits the throne from her father and must unite and expand her kingdom at grave costs as well as the Legend of Wale Williams which centers on an Afrofuturist superhero who must use technology to save his people.
Dorcas Benewaa Author
Dorcas is an upcoming journalist. She loves the creative arts and loves to write about startups, digital arts and issues in the tech sector.