SHOWROOM
SHOWROOM operates a Japanese livestreaming platform and supporting product family (smash., SHOWSTAGE, SHOWROOM V) that connects performers with fans via gifting, comments, and exclusive K-POP and idol content, monetizing through gift transactions, subscriptions, and live commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What SHOWROOM does
SHOWROOM Inc. (SHOWROOM株式会社) is a Tokyo-based entertainment-technology company founded in August 2015 that operates a portfolio of livestreaming and short-form vertical video products. Its anchor product is the SHOWROOM virtual livestream platform, where individual performers (called 'livers') broadcast live and interact with viewers through real-time gifting, comments, and avatar features; the platform powers official programs for entertainment IP holders as well as independent streamers. The technology stack centers on a vertical-video streaming pipeline with industry-leading 0.5-second ultra-low latency and an in-house deep-learning content-moderation engine (Japan-first, patent pending) that screens chat in real time.
Around this core SHOWROOM has built a modular product surface: smash., a subscription (¥550/month) vertical-theater mobile app for 5-10 minute pro-quality short-form content and the home for exclusive K-POP and J-POP programming; SHOWSTAGE for VR/AR live experiences; SHOWROOM V for avatar livestreaming; SHOWROOM Gaming, SHOWROOM Meet (1on1 fan events), SHOWROOM Arena for large virtual venues, and the SHOWROOM Business Package for enterprise streaming. Revenue is generated primarily through Show Gold gift transactions (with a same-day Jewels cashout for streamers), smash. premium subscriptions, live-commerce transaction fees (with partners including Bic Camera and Yamato Transport for fulfillment), Business Package subscriptions, and avatar/item sales. Distribution is mobile-first via iOS and Google Play globally, augmented by web access on showroom-live.com.
SHOWROOM originates from DeNA, spun out as an equity-method affiliate in July 2020, and has subsequently raised ¥31 billion in disclosed capital plus non-disclosed third-party allotments from entertainment and retail strategics including HYBE, Bandai, Bandai Namco, Dwango, Lawson, MBS Innovation Drive, Bic Camera, Bushiroad, KBC (Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting), and Yamato Transport. It operates primarily in Japan with newer extensions into Korea and the United States via smash., employs 122 people (April 2022), and is led by founder and Representative Director Yuji Maeda with a COO hire from Mercari in 2019 and an external-directors bench strengthening governance since the DeNA independence.
SHOWROOM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SHOWROOM
- Legal name
- SHOWROOM株式会社
- Website
- https://showroom.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- SHOWROOM operates a Japanese livestreaming platform and supporting product family (smash., SHOWSTAGE, SHOWROOM V) that connects performers with fans via gifting, comments, and exclusive K-POP and idol content, monetizing through gift transactions, subscriptions, and live commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SHOWROOM industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Live Video Streaming Platform
- NAICS
- Performing Arts Companies (7111)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Generalist Live Streaming Platforms (Multi-Category) (MPACACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Virtual Theater, Comedy & Performing Arts (Digital Performances) (MPAGAOAF), Social Commerce & Livestream Shopping Platforms (BPAMAGAJ)
Keywords
Where SHOWROOM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
SHOWROOM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Gift/Gold System (ギフティング): Viewers purchase Show Gold to buy gifts for performers during live streams. Performers earn revenue based on gifts received. This is the core monetization mechanism driving creator compensation.
- smash. Premium Subscription: Vertical theater app smash. offers paid premium subscription at ¥550/month (tax included) for unlimited access to all content. Free tier available with limited access.
- Live Commerce (ライブコマース): E-commerce functionality integrated with live streaming where viewers can purchase products featured during streams. SHOWROOM takes transaction fees from sales generated through live commerce.
- Premium Live Features: Paid premium live streaming features allowing performers to offer exclusive paid content to viewers
- SHOWROOM Business Package: Enterprise-focused business streaming package offered to general companies for corporate events, seminars, press conferences, and recruitment interviews. Subscription or spot usage pricing model.
- Avatar/Item Sales: Sale of virtual avatars and items within the platform using Show Gold currency
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | smash. Free Tier |
| Subscription | Monthly | smash. Premium (月額550円) |
| Subscription | Monthly | SHOWROOM Business Package |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
SHOWROOM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SHOWROOM operates a virtual livestreaming platform where performers broadcast live video content and interact with viewers in real time through gifting, comments, and avatars. The company runs a multi-product portfolio spanning the core SHOWROOM livestreaming service, the smash. vertical video theater app for pro-quality short-form content, SHOWSTAGE (VR/AR immersive live platform), SHOWROOM V (avatar-based streaming), SHOWROOM Gaming, SHOWROOM Meet (1on1 events), SHOPROOM (live commerce), and a SHOWROOM Business Package for corporate streaming needs.
Product overview
SHOWROOM is a multi-platform entertainment-tech company operating a platform-plus-modules architecture anchored by the SHOWROOM virtual livestreaming platform. The core SHOWROOM product enables performers to broadcast live video and interact with viewers through gifting and comments. Supporting modules include smash. (vertical video theater app for short-form content), SHOWSTAGE (VR/AR live platform), SHOWROOM V (avatar livestreaming), SHOWROOM Gaming (game streaming), SHOWROOM Meet (1on1 events), SHOWROOM Arena (virtual venue events), SHOWROOM Business Package (enterprise streaming), SHOPROOM (live commerce), and SHOWROOM Livers College (streamer support program). The portfolio spans B2C livestreaming, short-form video, VR/AR experiences, e-commerce, and enterprise services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- smash. バーティカルシアターアプリ。スマートフォンでの視聴に特化した縦型短尺映像コンテンツ配信プラットフォーム。BTS、Hey! Say! JUMPなどのオリジナルコンテンツを独占配信。
- SHOWSTAGE
- SHOWROOM Gaming
- SHOWROOM Meet
- SHOWROOM V
- SHOPROOM
Products and services
- SHOWROOM (Virtual Livestreaming Platform) Virtual livestreaming platform where performers broadcast live video content and interact with viewers in real time through gifting, comments, and avatars. Serves as the primary platform for SHOWROOM's core livestreaming business, supporting both official and free streamers across entertainment, music, and gaming categories. Free to viewers; monetized via Show Gold virtual currency purchases for gifting performers.
- smash. (Vertical Theater App) Vertical video theater app optimized for smartphone viewing. Distributes pro-quality short-form vertical content (5–10 minutes) across music, drama, anime, and variety genres. Features exclusive original content with K-POP artists (BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, TREASURE), Japanese idol groups (Hey! Say! JUMP), and drama series. PICK functionality enables 15-second clip saving and sharing. Subscription model at ¥550/month with partial free content.
- SHOWSTAGE (VR/AR Live Platform) VR/AR live streaming platform providing immersive virtual live experiences. Enables performers and audiences to experience concerts and events in shared virtual spaces using smartphone-based VR/AR technology.
- SHOWROOM Business Package (SHOWROOM ビジネスパッケージ) Enterprise-focused live streaming package for corporate use cases including seminars, internal meetings, press conferences, and recruitment interviews. Features include avatar participation, real-time comments and gifting, custom corporate avatars and gifts, URL-limited access, serial code access, and IP restriction security. Offered as subscription or spot usage.
- SHOWROOM Gaming Game streaming app enabling smartphone users to broadcast gameplay directly within the SHOWROOM platform. Allows viewers to watch and support game streamers. Collaboration with Game.tv for esports tournament infrastructure.
- SHOWROOM Meet 1on1 event application enabling personal meet-and-greet experiences between performers and fans. Supports both real performers and VTuber/animated characters.
- SHOWROOM V (Avatar Livestreaming App) Avatar-based livestreaming mobile app allowing users to appear as virtual characters during broadcasts using only a smartphone. Features hand-tracking and viewer proximity effects. Part of AVATAR2.0 initiative with VRoid Studio (Pixiv) for VRM-format avatar support.
- SHOPROOM (Live Commerce) Live commerce integration within SHOWROOM enabling product sales during livestreams. Connects with logistics partners for order fulfillment. Allows performers to showcase and sell products directly to viewers during broadcasts.
- SHOWSTAGE Arena (Virtual Venue System) Virtual venue system for large-scale live events on SHOWROOM. Projects live stream viewers into the virtual event space, enabling an immersive arena experience. Used for HYDE LIVE 2020 and other large concert events.
- SHOWROOM Livers College (SHOWROOM ライバーズカレッジ) Livestreamer support and training program under SHOWROOM's direct operation. Provides free training lessons (makeup, vocal, dance, photography), exclusive auditions, PR photo services, and producer feedback for aspiring streamers. No enrollment fees or performance quotas. Combines streaming income with performance-based incentives.
Quantifiable outcome
- 890万+ cumulative app downloads
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use SHOWROOM
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
SHOWROOM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration14 records
AI capability6 records
Feature8 records
SHOWROOM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (KBC)coreCapital partnership with regional broadcaster. KVS virtual school initiative, content production, live commerce, and talent discovery.
- QTnet Inc.coreE-commerce and entertainment partnership using QTnet facilities for events and content distribution in Kyushu area.
- Oriental Corporation (オリエントコーポレーション)coreFinancial services partnership for live commerce with OriCard settlement services and affiliate merchant network.
- Bushiroad Inc.coreCapital partnership with stardust pro-wrestling promotion. Exploring NFT-ization of Stardust video archives and joint IP development.
- Bic Camera Inc.coreCapital and business partnership in live commerce domain. Bic Camera商品のライブコマース展開、コマースライバー育成、相互送客等方面的連携。
- Bandai Namco EntertainmentcoreIP and content partnership for entertainment collaboration including 'Futsal Boys!!!!!' project.
- Dwango Co., Ltd.coreVideo and live streaming pioneer partnership to strengthen live streaming business.
- Bandai Co., Ltd.coreEntertainment and IP partnership for expanding live streaming and smash. IP businesses.
- Lawson Entertainment Inc.coreProduct sales partnership combining online business with Lawson's physical stores and HMV for merchandise.
- air works Inc.coreLiver support and live commerce training company partnership for expanding liver support services on SHOWROOM.
- MBS Innovation Drive Inc.coreContent production partnership with MBS for drama and entertainment content on smash. platform.
- Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.coreLive commerce partnership with Yamato's nationwide producer network for product sales support. STORY LIVE COMMERCE to deliver products with producer backstories.
- T Point Japan Co., Ltd.minorT-point integration enabling users to use T-points for Show Gold purchases and earn T-points on transactions.
- HYBE Corporation (하이브)flagshipCapital and business partnership with BTS, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN所属の韓国エンターテインメントライフスタイルプラットフォーム企業. HYBE社との資本業務提携により、smash.を通じたコンテンツ連携を強化し、アメリカや韓国へのグローバル展開を加速する。
- KDDI Corporationcore5G era partnership with KDDI Open Innovation Fund 3 investment for new video experiences and smash. service integration.
- Johnny & Associates (J. Storm)flagshipCapital and business partnership with Johnny's for new video media development combining J-Storm's entertainment power with SHOWROOM's IT capabilities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SHOWROOM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Twitch: Amazon-owned global live streaming incumbent leading in gaming and creator monetization. Direct overlap in live streaming core, though SHOWROOM differentiates via idol/entertainment talent versus Twitch's gaming tilt.
- YouTube Live: Google-owned live streaming service embedded in the dominant video platform. Broad incumbent with overlapping idol/K-pop livestream coverage and a much larger creator monetization infrastructure (Super Chat, channel memberships).
- TikTok Live: ByteDance's live streaming module within TikTok. Competes for Japan viewer time and creator attention with vastly larger algorithmic distribution and global fanbase.
Direct peers
- Pococha (DeNA): DeNA's consumer live streaming app focused on Japan; effectively SHOWROOM's sister platform under shared former-parent DeNA. Competes head-to-head in Japan for streamers and gifting revenue.
- Mirrativ: Japan-focused mobile-first game and IRL live streaming platform with creator monetization. Direct competitor in SHOWROOM's home market with overlapping streamer supply and viewer demand.
- 17LIVE: Asia-Pacific generalist live streaming platform with gifting mechanics and creator monetization. Closest direct peer to SHOWROOM in product, business model, and geographic footprint across Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
- BIGO LIVE: Global live streaming platform operated by JOYY with strong Asian presence and gifting-based monetization. Comparable in scale, regional focus, and product offering to SHOWROOM.
- TwitCasting: Japanese live streaming platform with strong presence in idol and entertainment livestreaming. Operates as a direct domestic competitor to SHOWROOM with similar Japanese-creator supply.
Emerging players
- ZEPETO: Avatar-based virtual social platform with live streaming features. Comparable to SHOWROOM V and SHOWSTAGE for virtual avatar livestreaming, particularly in Gen Z Asian markets.
- Weverse: HYBE-owned fan community platform where HYBE artists stream and post content. Highly relevant given the SHOWROOM×HYBE capital partnership and overlapping K-pop fan monetization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SHOWROOM social profiles
Digital presenceSHOWROOM compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
SHOWROOM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SHOWROOM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
SHOWROOM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SHOWROOM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SHOWROOM
What does SHOWROOM do?
SHOWROOM operates a virtual livestreaming platform where performers broadcast live video content and interact with viewers in real time through gifting, comments, and avatars. The company runs a multi-product portfolio spanning the core SHOWROOM livestreaming service, the smash. vertical video theater app for pro-quality short-form content, SHOWSTAGE (VR/AR immersive live platform), SHOWROOM V (avatar-based streaming), SHOWROOM Gaming, SHOWROOM Meet (1on1 events), SHOPROOM (live commerce), and a SHOWROOM Business Package for corporate streaming needs.
Is SHOWROOM a public or private company?
SHOWROOM is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was SHOWROOM founded?
SHOWROOM was founded in 2015. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is SHOWROOM based?
SHOWROOM is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does SHOWROOM make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Gift/Gold System (ギフティング) is the primary driver. The others are smash. Premium Subscription, live Commerce (ライブコマース), premium Live Features, SHOWROOM Business Package and avatar/Item Sales.
Who are SHOWROOM's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Twitch, YouTube Live and TikTok Live. Direct peers are Pococha (DeNA), Mirrativ, 17LIVE, BIGO LIVE and TwitCasting. Emerging players are ZEPETO and Weverse.
Does SHOWROOM have an API?
No public API is recorded for SHOWROOM.
What industry is SHOWROOM in?
SHOWROOM's product category is Live Video Streaming Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACACAA, Generalist Live Streaming Platforms (Multi-Category), with a secondary code of MPAGAOAF, Virtual Theater, Comedy & Performing Arts (Digital Performances). Its NAICS code is 7111 and its SIC code is 7900.