softbank vision fund 2 invests $160m in media localization provider iyuno-sdi group
Iyuno-SDI Group Secures $160 Million Investment
Iyuno-SDI Group, a leading provider of media localization services – including subtitles and translations – has announced a significant funding round. The company received $160 million in investment from SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
This investment establishes SoftBank Vision Fund 2 as a major shareholder within the Iyuno-SDI Group.
Formation Through Strategic Acquisition
The creation of Iyuno-SDI Group followed the recent acquisition of SDI Media by Iyuno Media Group. This merger has positioned the company for substantial growth in the media localization market.
David Lee, CEO of Iyuno-SDI Group, founded Iyuno in 2002 while studying in Seoul. He detailed in a TechCrunch interview how the company leverages its unique, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Proprietary Technology for Scalable Localization
This software facilitates the delivery of localization services – encompassing subtitles, dubbing, and accessibility features – on a large scale. It allows for efficient project management and resource allocation.
Furthermore, Iyuno has developed its own neural machine translation engines. These engines are specifically trained using data from various entertainment genres, enhancing the productivity of human translators.
A Diverse Client Portfolio
Iyuno-SDI Group serves a prestigious roster of clients within the entertainment industry. Notable customers include Netflix, Apple iTunes, DreamWorks, HBO, and Entertainment One.
Global Reach and Linguistic Capabilities
Following the completion of the merger, Iyuno-SDI Group now boasts a network of 67 offices spanning 34 countries. This extensive global presence enables the company to offer localization services in over 100 languages.
Continued Support from SoftBank
SoftBank Group’s involvement with Iyuno Media Group began in 2018 with an initial investment through SoftBank Ventures Asia. Now, SoftBank Vision Fund 2 will collaborate with David Lee and existing investors – Altor, Shamrock Capital Advisors, and SoftBank Ventures Asia Corporation – on the Iyuno-SDI Group’s board of directors.
This continued support underscores SoftBank’s confidence in Iyuno-SDI Group’s potential for innovation and expansion within the rapidly evolving media localization landscape.
Catherine Shu
Catherine Shu: A Profile of a Veteran Tech Journalist
Catherine Shu is a highly respected journalist specializing in coverage of startups within the Asian market and delivering timely breaking news.
Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly to prominent publications, establishing herself as a reliable source of information in the tech industry.
Published Works and Affiliations
Ms. Shu’s work extends beyond TechCrunch, where she frequently reports on emerging companies and industry developments.
Her reporting has been featured in several prestigious news outlets, demonstrating the breadth of her journalistic reach.
- The New York Times
- The Taipei Times
- Barron’s
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Village Voice
Educational Background
Catherine Shu’s academic pursuits have equipped her with a strong foundation in both liberal arts and journalism.
She received her education at two distinguished institutions:
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Columbia Graduate School of Journalism
Transparency and Disclosure
For the sake of journalistic integrity, it is noted that Ms. Shu has no disclosures to report regarding potential conflicts of interest.
This commitment to transparency underscores her dedication to unbiased and objective reporting.