AMAKA Studio has successfully raised $2 million in seed funding, marking a major milestone in its mission to empower Black and African creators worldwide. The funding round was led by Equitane, formerly known as Africa Transformation and Industrialization Fund (ATIF), alongside notable partners such as Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab and Silverbacks Holdings.
AMAKA Studio was founded in 2021 by Adaora Oramah, with the mission of creating a digital platform that empowers Black and Pan-African creators. Originally focusing on stories centered around Pan-African womanhood, the platform has since evolved into a media-tech space. It provides tools and resources for creators to monetize their work and engage with brands. AMAKA Studio has built a diverse and growing audience, working with influencers and brands like Nike and Disney. The studio’s mission extends to financial inclusion, equity, and representation for underrepresented creators in the digital space
The investment will be channeled into expanding AMAKA’s creator platform, AMAKA Gigs, which aims to streamline the process of connecting brands with creators. This initiative will help creators not only showcase their talents but also secure commissions, improving transparency and financial equity. The platform will also integrate enhanced payment solutions, enabling creators to receive seamless compensation for their work, a key issue in the global creator economy.
This funding will also be used for targeted marketing campaigns to drive user engagement and community growth. AMAKA Studio’s CEO, Adaora Oramah, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the needs of underserved Black and African creators, allowing them to monetize their work effectively while building a sustainable career. She stated, “We are driving economic impact and change for a dynamic community that has been routinely underserved.”
As AMAKA grows, the platform will introduce tools for creators to better manage their work and partnerships with brands. These developments are poised to make AMAKA a leading destination for both emerging and established creators.
In the future, AMAKA aims to expand its B2B sales efforts, foster new partnerships, and continue offering creators automated tools to scale their content and monetize their work. Equitane’s CEO, Anish Jain, expressed excitement for AMAKA’s trajectory, reinforcing their shared vision of sustainable innovation within the creator economy.
AMAKA Studio’s journey has already fostered a diverse creator community, and the platform’s expansion will further promote inclusion, opportunities, and job creation for African content creators across the globe.
