By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a former startup founder and CEO, I know one of the toughest obstacles to success is gaining that initial capital you need to launch your business. Bioworld Merchandising apparently agrees with that view, as the leading pop culture brand company has created a venture capital fund dedicated to helping new and emerging companies get off … [Read more...] about Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
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Surge Brands Brings Licensing Horsepower to Skip Barber Racing School
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Surge Brands has been appointed global licensing agent for Skip Barber Racing School, revving up for an expanded consumer products push from one of motorsports’ most enduring training institutions. Founded in 1975 by Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee John “Skip” Barber, the Skip Barber Racing School marks its 50th anniversary this year with … [Read more...] about Surge Brands Brings Licensing Horsepower to Skip Barber Racing School
Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has signed the first major content licensing for OpenAI's Sora platform, raising fears of job losses among content creators. Disney frames the debate differently, however, saying the deal brings "... these leaders in creativity and innovation together to unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling." The … [Read more...] about Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Trill Burgers has teamed up with Toho International to launch a licensed in-store collaboration inspired by the Spy x Family anime series. The partnership is offering a limited-edition Spy x Family burger and two co-branded t-shirt designs that can be purchased through both of the restaurant brands' retail locations. “Team Trill Burgers is … [Read more...] about Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
Plaid Enterprises Launches EttaVee Paint and Brush Sets
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Plaid Enterprises has partnered with the EttaVee lifestyle brand to launch a colorful licensed collection of paint and brush sets. The licensed collection includes two 13-piece sets called Ettavee Joyful Burst and Dream Deep that offer a selection of multi-surface acrylic paints and a versatile paintbrush with a decorative handle. Inspired … [Read more...] about Plaid Enterprises Launches EttaVee Paint and Brush Sets
Miraculous Levels Up on Roblox With Tower Defense Game
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Miraculous Corp and Toya Studios are launching a second Miraculous game on Roblox as part of their long-term licensing partnership. The new game, titled Miraculous Tower Defense, offers an interactive experience with gameplay mechanics such as strategy-driven tactics, cooperative multiplayer, custom teams, resource management and … [Read more...] about Miraculous Levels Up on Roblox With Tower Defense Game
Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Layer Licensing, the innovative licensing marketplace for video games, has been acquired by the UK-based licensing agency AT New Media. Layer is a digital matchmaking platform between IP holders looking to extend their licensing activities into the games industry, and game developers and publishers seeking licensable IP to include in … [Read more...] about Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
Spiralcute Signs Jazwares as its New Master Toy Partner
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Spiralcute agency has signed a multi-year partnership with Jazwares to produce licensed toys and collectibles for its IP portfolio. Through the new agreement, Jazwares will serve as the master toy partner and international distributor for Spiralcute’s portfolio of character brands (excluding Asia). This portfolio includes … [Read more...] about Spiralcute Signs Jazwares as its New Master Toy Partner
Pacsun Drops Exclusive Fashion with The Met Cloisters
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pacsun is launching a new Met Cloisters holiday fashion collection as part of its ongoing licensing partnership with the Met. The holiday capsule collection includes a range of apparel and accessories inspired by the art and architecture found in The Met Cloisters. With styles for both men and women, the capsule offers a mix of … [Read more...] about Pacsun Drops Exclusive Fashion with The Met Cloisters
China’s ‘Singles Day’ Event Is Eclipsing America’s Black Friday
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Move over Black Friday; China's massive 'Singles Day' shopping event on November 11 is laying claim to being the world's largest sale. While Black Friday and associated holiday sales like Cyber Monday continue to grow, the Chinese data company Syntun says Singles Day broke sales records as retailers took in $238 billion, including … [Read more...] about China’s ‘Singles Day’ Event Is Eclipsing America’s Black Friday