Mansa, a Los Angeles, CA-based streaming platform for curated global Black cultural content, raised $8M in Seed funding.
The round was led by MaC Venture Capital, with participation from WndrCo, Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Investment Partners, Base Ventures, Dubin & Co, Rainmaker Films, Robert F. Smith, James Norman, and Wemimo Abbey.
The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.
Founded by David Oyelowo, Nate Parker and Chiké Okonkwo, as well as tech entrepreneur and film financier Zak Tanjeloff, Mansa is the free, ad-supported streaming platform highlighting Black content for a global audience. Its platform showcases Black culture from across the globe through on-demand film, tv, short form content and a collection of 24/7 digital linear channels.
Operating in stealth for more than a year, Mansa has built a team of nearly 30 employees, bringing in leaders from Netflix, BET, Hulu, Roku, Tubi, Redbox, Complex and Uber.
To date, the company has already licensed over 1,500 hours of content, and secured partnerships with upwards of 50 content suppliers with over two dozen licensed FAST channels rolling out as the company prepares for a wide launch during Q2 2023 on Roku, Amazon FireTV, iOS, Android, Samsung, Vizio, LG and web.
