SHOWROOM

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.

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

51–100 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

Product category

Live Video Streaming Platform

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPACACAA

Generalist Live Streaming Platforms (Multi-Category)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Digital Media & Content Platforms (Online Video, Podcasts, Creators)/Live Streaming Platforms (Gaming/IRL)

SECONDARYMPAGAOAF

Virtual Theater, Comedy & Performing Arts (Digital Performances)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Live Entertainment & Events (Concerts, Theater, Festivals)/Virtual & Hybrid Events

SECONDARYBPAMAGAJ

Social Commerce & Livestream Shopping Platforms

Business & Public Services/Web, Mobile & Digital Platforms/E-commerce Marketplaces & Shopping Platforms

Keywords

• Live video streaming
• Virtual live platform
• Vertical video content
• Live commerce
• VR/AR entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Premium Live Features: Paid premium live streaming features allowing performers to offer exclusive paid content to viewers
5. 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.
6. Avatar/Item Sales: Sale of virtual avatars and items within the platform using Show Gold currency

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core 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

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (KBC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022Capital partnership with regional broadcaster. KVS virtual school initiative, content production, live commerce, and talent discovery.
• QTnet Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022E-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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022Financial services partnership for live commerce with OriCard settlement services and affiliate merchant network.
• Bushiroad Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Capital partnership with stardust pro-wrestling promotion. Exploring NFT-ization of Stardust video archives and joint IP development.
• Bic Camera Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 January 2022Capital 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 EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2021IP and content partnership for entertainment collaboration including 'Futsal Boys!!!!!' project.
• Dwango Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2021Video and live streaming pioneer partnership to strengthen live streaming business.
• Bandai Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2021Entertainment and IP partnership for expanding live streaming and smash. IP businesses.
• Lawson Entertainment Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 December 2021Product sales partnership combining online business with Lawson's physical stores and HMV for merchandise.
• air works Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 December 2021Liver support and live commerce training company partnership for expanding liver support services on SHOWROOM.
• MBS Innovation Drive Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2021Content production partnership with MBS for drama and entertainment content on smash. platform.
• Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2021Live 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.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 May 2021T-point integration enabling users to use T-points for Show Gold purchases and earn T-points on transactions.
• HYBE Corporation (하이브)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2021Capital 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 CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 20205G era partnership with KDDI Open Innovation Fund 3 investment for new video experiences and smash. service integration.
• Johnny & Associates (J. Storm)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2019Capital 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

Broad 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

• Xtwitter.com/SHOWROOM_jp
• Facebookfacebook.com/showroom888
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/showroomlive

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SHOWROOM