MetaVoice Community 'Blabla' Raises 3 Billion KRW in Series A Investment

Blabla service image. [Photo by Blabla]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Blabla ENM, the operator of the metavoice community 'Blabla,' has secured 3 billion KRW in Series A funding.

This round of investment included existing investors Hyundai Motor Group Zero One, KTB Network, and Kyobo Securities, with new investors also participating. Additionally, Kakao Entertainment, Danal Investment Partners, and SparkLabs Partners are among the investors, bringing the total accumulated investment to 4.5 billion KRW.

Blabla is a community-based audio platform that differs from traditional creator-centered podcasts or audio services by focusing on user interest-based communities, allowing users to create their own broadcasts and communities anytime, anywhere.

Currently, the service is available in seven Asian countries including Korea, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Within just one year of app launch, the number of registered users has already surpassed 100,000. There are over 7,000 active creators, and cumulative participants have reached 2.5 million. The projected revenue for the first quarter has already achieved 70% of last year’s total revenue, with subscription and advertising revenues steadily growing alongside sponsorships.

The recently launched original content 'Idol Blossom,' hosted by Infinite member Sungjong as MC, features various idol groups such as WEi, AB6IX, and ACE, engaging with fans through community-based content. It is simultaneously broadcast in seven Asian countries, with over 2,000 users participating in each episode. The cumulative views and listens have exceeded 1 million.

A representative from Hyundai Motor Group Zero One, who participated in this investment, stated, "Blabla is a community-centered audio communication channel for the MZ generation with very high growth potential. We believe it will become a partner that can provide a seamless communication experience within vehicles by integrating with Hyundai Motor Group’s mobility service environment."

Blabla ENM plans to actively expand its audio-centered community platform not only domestically but also into overseas and mobility markets. Additionally, through collaborations with Kyobo Book Centre, it aims to grow its unique audio content network by producing original content such as 'Blossom, Please Romance Me,' 'Street Voice Fighter,' and 'Hwameokbam Audio Theater,' and securing intellectual property rights.