Crunchyroll, LLC
| Formerly |
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|---|---|
| Company type | Joint venture |
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Genre | Anime |
| Founded | May 9, 1994, in Silicon Valley, California, U.S. |
| Founder |
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| Headquarters | 3501 Olympus Blvd, Suite 400 , Coppell, Texas U.S. |
Key people | |
| Products | |
| Brands | Crunchyroll |
| Services |
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| Owners |
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Number of employees | 1500+ (2024) |
| Divisions |
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Crunchyroll, LLC is a U.S.-based entertainment firm situated in Coppell, Texas. It manages the anime-centric subscription streaming platform known as Crunchyroll.
Originally established as Funimation in May 1994 by entrepreneur Gen Fukunaga alongside Cindy Brennan in Silicon Valley, with financial support from Daniel Cocanougher’s family investors, the company later moved to the Dallas–Fort Worth region. It transitioned through North Richland Hills and Flower Mound before settling in Coppell. In 2005, Navarre Corporation purchased Funimation; six years later, in 2011, Navarre divested it to a consortium including Fukunaga for $24 million. Sony Pictures Television took ownership in 2017 and rebranded the entity as Crunchyroll, LLC in March 2022 following its acquisition of the Crunchyroll streaming platform in August 2021.
The company’s operations encompass direct-to-home video distribution via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment starting from 2024 and collaborations with distributors such as Sentai Filmworks, Viz Media, Discotek Media, Aniplex of America, and the UK-based Anime Limited. This approach enhances its market presence and expands its international reach within anime content delivery.
Founding Years
During the early 1990s, Japanese entrepreneur Gen Fukunaga was approached by his uncle Nagafumi Hori of Toei Company, who proposed that if Fukunaga could create a production company and secure funding, Toei Animation would grant licensing rights for the Dragon Ball franchise in the United States. Fukunaga collaborated with Daniel Cocanougher whose family had sold a feed mill enterprise in Decatur, Texas to invest in the venture.[1]
The company was officially launched on May 9, 1994 as Funimation Productions, initially operating out of Silicon Valley before relocating to North Richland Hills, Texas.[1] Early partnerships involved working with BLT Productions, Ocean Studios, Pioneer, and Saban Entertainment to introduce Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z to American viewers.[2]
Although initial efforts to broadcast Dragon Ball on television faced obstacles, Funimation gained substantial traction when Dragon Ball Z premiered on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block in 1998. The series rapidly became Toonami's top-rated show, greatly increasing Funimation’s influence and enabling it to secure additional licensing deals.[2]
Expanding beyond anime, Funimation produced and distributed its first non-anime direct-to-video title with Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In May 2002, Funimation entered a significant home video distribution agreement with anime licensor 4Kids Entertainment, handling well-known franchises such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Cubix, and Kirby: Right Back at Ya!. This alliance later extended to include titles like Sonic X and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which bolstered Funimation’s revenue streams and market position.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Furthering its growth strategy, Funimation partnered with Canadian firm Nelvana in September 2003. This collaboration entailed co-producing new anime content and distributing over forty-four titles from Nelvana’s catalog on home video formats, including series such as Redwall and Pecola, thereby expanding Funimation’s content portfolio.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In July 2004, Funimation introduced Our Time Family Entertainment, a division dedicated to preschool and children’s programming featuring family-friendly titles like Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland alongside select Nelvana productions such as Elliot Moose. This move diversified their business focus beyond solely anime.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Continuing diversification efforts included acquiring North American licensing rights for the British children’s series Make Way for Noddy in January 2005, strengthening their foothold in the children’s entertainment market.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
On May 11, 2005, Navarre Corporation completed the purchase of Funimation for $100.4 million in cash along with 1.8 million shares of Navarre common stock. Founder Gen Fukunaga continued in his role as CEO, and the company was rebranded as Funimation Entertainment. In 2007, Funimation shifted its corporate headquarters from North Richland Hills to Flower Mound, Texas, securing a decade-long lease within the Lakeside Business District.
In early 2008, Navarre CEO Cary Deacon disclosed that Funimation was in talks to acquire licenses from Geneon Universal Entertainment’s U.S. division following Geneon's closure in December 2007. By mid-2008, Funimation had obtained distribution rights for numerous Geneon titles, including series left incomplete due to Geneon’s withdrawal from the U.S. market. At Anime Expo 2008, Funimation revealed plans to acquire over thirty titles from the Sojitz catalog, which had previously been licensed by ADV Films. The following year, Funimation broadened its digital footprint by partnering with Toei Animation to stream a variety of anime series on its platform.
On May 27, 2010, Navarre Corporation announced it was negotiating the sale of Funimation and subsequently designated it as a "discounted operation" in early 2011. By September of that year, six potential buyers had expressed interest. In April 2011, Funimation was sold for $24 million to a consortium including founder Gen Fukunaga, while Navarre maintained exclusive distribution rights.
In October 2011, Funimation collaborated with Niconico (the English version of Nico Nico Douga) to establish the Funico brand focused on anime streaming licenses and home video releases, acquiring most titles simulcast through Niconico. By April 2012, Funimation had launched its own video streaming application.
Following the theatrical debut of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods in 2014 via Screenvision, Funimation inaugurated its own theatrical division in December of that year. In June 2015, the company entered into a multi-year home video distribution agreement with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE), which took over management of distribution and sales later that year.
In January 2016, Funimation introduced a refreshed logo and unveiled its streaming platform FunimationNow, expanding service availability to the UK and Ireland by April. Later that year in September, Funimation forged a strategic alliance with Crunchyroll to share streaming content and collaborate on home video distribution, thereby strengthening their competitive positioning within the anime sector.
Sony ownership
In May 2017, both Universal Studios and Sony Pictures Television expressed interest in acquiring Funimation; Universal eventually withdrew from negotiations. On July 31, 2017, Sony Pictures Television announced it would purchase a controlling 95% stake in Funimation for $143 million. The acquisition received approval from the U.S. Department of Justice on August 22, 2017, and finalized on October 27, 2017. This integration allowed for synergies with Sony’s Animax and Kids Station divisions and facilitated direct access to creative content pipelines.
In early 2018, Funimation expanded its distribution network by securing U.S. and Canadian rights to Big Fish & Begonia through Shout! Factory’s Shout! Studios and licensed Dragon Ball Super: Broly for North American theatrical release in January 2019.
After AT&T completed full ownership of Otter Media (which owns Crunchyroll) in August 2018, Funimation ended its content-sharing arrangement with Crunchyroll by November due to Sony’s ownership and differing international growth strategies. As a result, select Funimation titles were removed from Crunchyroll and VRV platforms and replaced by Hidive content. In December 2018, Funimation secured an exclusive multi-year first-look SVOD agreement with Hulu.
On February 1, 2019, founder and CEO Gen Fukunaga transitioned to chairman while Colin Decker was appointed general manager in May. At AnimeJapan 2019, Funimation partnered with Chinese streaming service Bilibili for co-licensing anime targeting audiences in the U.S. and China. In May of that year, Funimation acquired Manga Entertainment’s UK division to consolidate operations and bolster its presence across Europe.
Further enhancing its market position, Funimation announced a streaming collaboration with Right Stuf in July 2019 to distribute select Nozomi Entertainment titles via FunimationNow. In August 2019, Aniplex of America joined forces with Funimation Films to co-release Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl theatrically throughout the U.S. and Canada.
These strategic acquisitions and partnerships illustrate Funimation’s growth trajectory and strengthened competitive stance within the global anime industry under Sony’s stewardship.
Joint Venture between Aniplex and SPT and Global Growth
On September 24, 2019, Sony Pictures Television and Aniplex formed a joint venture named Funimation Global Group, LLC, overseen by Funimation’s General Manager Colin Decker, to consolidate their international anime streaming operations. This collaboration operated under the Funimation brand and facilitated the acquisition and distribution of titles through Aniplex’s subsidiaries Wakanim, Madman Anime, and AnimeLab. Their inaugural co-produced title, Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, enjoyed a 30-day exclusivity window on FunimationNow, AnimeLab, and Wakanim, with Funimation securing exclusive rights to the English dub for one year.
By January 2020, Funimation integrated its streaming catalog into AnimeLab for the Australia and New Zealand markets, leading to the closure of FunimationNow in those regions by March 30. In May, Funimation established collaborations with Kodansha Comics to host weekly watch parties and partnered with NIS America to stream selected titles on FunimationNow. Additionally, Funimation launched "FunimationCon," a virtual anime convention held in July 2020 as a substitute for the canceled Anime Expo event.
During FunimationCon in July 2020, the company announced its entry into the Latin American market starting in Q4 2020, initially launching services in Mexico and Brazil by early November. In September, a distribution agreement was reached with Viz Media, bringing their titles onto Funimation’s platform. Later that year in December, Brazilian television channel Loading (TV channel) collaborated with Sony Pictures Entertainment to feature Funimation content.
In November 2020, Funimation expanded its catalog through a partnership with Sunrise (company), enabling streaming of select Gundam series including Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. That same month marked the beginning of Funimation’s headquarters relocation to Coppell, Texas, with operations commencing in 2021.
To streamline branding worldwide, Manga Entertainment was rebranded as Funimation UK in April 2021 for the UK and Ireland markets; similarly, AnimeLab adopted the Funimation name in Australia and New Zealand by June. Subsequently, new streaming services were introduced in Colombia, Chile, and Peru during June 2021. In September, Funimation partnered with Gonzo (company) to remaster and upload select mid-2000s anime titles onto YouTube until November 30.
Brand Integration
On December 9, 2020, Sony Pictures Entertainment revealed its acquisition of Ellation along with anime streaming platform Crunchyroll from WarnerMedia for $1.175 billion cash consideration, intending to merge it under the Funimation umbrella upon completion. The deal underwent an extended antitrust evaluation by the United States Department of Justice before finalizing on August 9, 2021. Shortly after closing, Sony announced plans to consolidate its anime subscription offerings. VRV was confirmed as part of this acquisition on August 13, 2021.
Crunchyroll announced on January 25, 2022 that Jujutsu Kaisen 0 would be released theatrically across more than 1,500 North American cinemas with planned expansions into several international territories. This marked the first Crunchyroll film distributed jointly with Funimation Films.
On March 1, 2022, the SVOD platforms Funimation, Wakanim, and VRV were merged into Crunchyroll. The corporate entity formerly known as Funimation Global Group officially changed its name to Crunchyroll, LLC on February 24. From June 2022 onward, home video releases previously under the Funimation label transitioned to Crunchyroll branding. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Crunchyroll suspended its services within Russia on March 11 in alignment with international sanctions; concurrently Sony contributed $2 million toward humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.
On April 5, 2022, Funimation’s YouTube channel was rebranded as "Crunchyroll Dubs," focusing exclusively on English-dubbed content while subtitled English versions remained under "Crunchyroll Collection." The company committed to releasing dubbed episodes weekly. Shortly thereafter, the Funimation Shop was merged into the Crunchyroll Store. CEO Colin Decker resigned in April 2022 and was succeeded by COO Rahul Purini. Post-merger titles originally from Funimation continued streaming on Crunchyroll alongside newly produced series featuring dubbing from Dallas-based studios.
On August 4, 2022, Crunchyroll acquired Right Stuf!, an anime-focused eCommerce retailer; adult-oriented product sales were separated into an independent entity as part of this transaction.
In September 2022, voice actor Kyle McCarley’s contract for Mob Psycho 100 was not renewed due to disputes over union agreements with Crunchyroll, which drew criticism within the industry.
In February 2023, approximately 85 employees were laid off across Crunchyroll’s global offices including those in Dallas and Culver City.
Senior Vice President Markus Gerdemann stated in October 2023 that Brazil, France, Germany, and Mexico rank among Crunchyroll’s fastest-growing markets outside the United States amid a global anime fanbase exceeding 800 million.
In September 2023, Crunchyroll declared plans to merge Right Stuf! into its own store by October while adopting Right Stuf!’s pricing and shipping policies prior to shutting down that brand.
Sony discontinued the standalone Funimation streaming service on April 2, 2024. By August 2024, Crunchyroll launched localized streaming platforms for India and Indonesia featuring subtitles and dubs tailored for South Asian and Southeast Asian viewers.
In March 2025, Crunchyroll teamed up with Aniplex to create Hayate Inc., a Tokyo-based joint venture dedicated to developing anime content specifically for Crunchyroll’s service.
Distribution
In July 2008, Funimation partnered with Red Planet Media to introduce a mobile video-on-demand platform accessible to AT&T Mobility and Sprint customers. This service offered complete seasons of series such as Gunslinger Girl, Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase, and The Galaxy Railways.
Up until 2016, Funimation licensed its titles for English-speaking markets outside North America through third parties like Manga Entertainment and Anime Limited in the United Kingdom. Beginning that year, Funimation took over direct releases in the UK and Ireland under its own brand, managing licensing and localization efforts, while Anime Limited continued to handle distribution duties. Additionally, Funimation oversaw the distribution of My Hero Academia via Universal Pictures UK in 2017 and Sony Pictures UK in 2018. Toward the end of 2018, sub-licensing resumed with Manga Entertainment until Funimation acquired the company on May 29, 2019, enabling direct control over releases. On September 24, 2019, Sony Pictures Television and Aniplex merged their international anime streaming divisions under Funimation’s leadership.
In 2017, Funimation broadened its direct distribution reach to include Australia and New Zealand, initially releasing select titles through Universal and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Starting in September 2018, Madman Anime assumed responsibility for regional distribution and classification. Madman Anime was subsequently integrated into Funimation in 2019.
Anti-piracy
Funimation’s legal department adopted a more assertive approach in 2005 to safeguard its licensed content by sending "cease and desist" notices to websites hosting unauthorized fansubbed versions of their series. This strategy mirrored prior efforts by ADV Films and targeted shows not yet officially licensed, such as Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Black Cat, and SoltyRei. The following year, the company expanded enforcement actions by issuing similar notices to torrent platforms distributing titles like xxxHolic, Mushishi, and Ragnarok the Animation.
Since October 2009, Funimation has consistently submitted DMCA takedown requests aimed at removing illicit content from Google search listings. In January 2011, Funimation initiated legal proceedings against U.S.-based BitTorrent users accused of unauthorized sharing of One Piece. However, the lawsuit was dropped in March after a court in Northern Texas ruled that defendants could not be sued as a collective group.
The disputed One Piece material was a fansub—an unauthorized version featuring fan-created subtitles. Despite reports suggesting Funimation had previously used fansubs as references for dubbing projects, the company asserts that fansubbing undermines the anime industry and continues to pursue legal action against websites distributing unauthorized subtitles. These efforts reflect their dedication to protecting Japanese licensors and fostering industry development.
Following the dismissal of the BitTorrent case, Funimation filed a lawsuit against 1,427 individuals in East Texas alleging copyright infringement related to The Legend Is Born: Ip Man. This case advanced but was ultimately dismissed with prejudice in October 2013.
Disputes with partners
In November 2011, Funimation initiated legal action against A.D. Vision, AEsir Holdings, Section23 Films, Valkyrie Media Partners, Seraphim Studios, Sentai Filmworks along with its CEO, John Ledford, and Switchblade Pictures, claiming $8 million in damages for breach of contract and improper asset transfers aimed at defrauding ADV's creditors. Funimation aimed to annul the asset transactions made by ADV. The dispute was resolved through mediation in 2014 under confidential terms.
Vic Mignogna lawsuit
During early 2019, coinciding with the MeToo movement, voice actor Vic Mignogna was accused of sexual misconduct on Twitter. Following an internal review, Funimation terminated its association with Mignogna in February 2019. In April of the same year, Mignogna pursued a civil lawsuit against Funimation and voice actors Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, as well as Rial's fiancé Ron Toye, seeking damages exceeding $1 million. Funimation refuted the claims and filed an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss in July 2019; similarly, Marchi, Rial, and Toye also submitted anti-SLAPP motions.
A hearing in September 2019 led to dismissal of the case against Marchi; by October 2019, claims against Funimation, Rial, and Toye were also dismissed. Mignogna appealed in October 2019; defendants moved to dismiss the appeal, but this was denied. In November 2019, Funimation requested reimbursement for legal fees and sanctions. Subsequently, Judge John P. Chupp of Tarrant County ordered Mignogna to pay $238,042.42 covering attorney fees and penalties to the defendants.
This prominent litigation affected Funimation’s reputation publicly but highlighted its dedication to corporate governance and maintaining workplace standards under its strategic management.
Kojicast lawsuit
On April 24, 2019, Kojicast filed suit against Funimation alleging that the FunimationNow streaming platform violated Kojicast’s patent rights.
Shop lawsuit
On January 13, 2021, Jenisa Angeles brought a class-action lawsuit against Funimation accusing the company of non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act concerning its online retail store. The matter was settled privately with undisclosed terms.
See also
- List of anime distributed in the United States
- List of anime releases made concurrently in the United States and Japan
External links
- Pages with reference errors
- Crunchyroll
- 1994 establishments in California
- 2005 mergers and acquisitions
- 2017 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies established in 1994
- Anime companies
- Aniplex
- Companies based in Coppell, Texas
- Dubbing (filmmaking)
- Entertainment companies established in 1994
- Entertainment companies based in Texas
- Home video companies of the United States
- Home video distributors
- Joint ventures
- Mass media companies established in 1994
- Sony subsidiaries
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment