HERALBONY
Japan-based creative company that licenses artwork from 153+ artists with intellectual disabilities to enterprise clients, sells branded merchandise through online and popup retail, and runs corporate DE&I training programs across Japan and Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersMorioka, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What HERALBONY does
HERALBONY Co., Ltd. (株式会社ヘラルボニー) is a Japan-based creative company that operates an art licensing business centered on works by artists with intellectual disabilities. The company manages a curated library of more than 2,000 artworks from 153+ contracted artists and circulates a portion of licensing revenue back to creators as royalties. Operations are headquartered in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, with a Tokyo regional office in Ginza and a Paris-based European subsidiary (HERALBONY EUROPE, established July 2024 at the Station F startup campus). Source data shows conflicting founding dates — firmographics list 2018 while an internal company history timeline indicates 2024 — and the analysis treats 2018 as the canonical founding year pending further clarification.
The company runs three integrated business lines: (1) a Brand Business distributing HERALBONY-branded apparel and lifestyle products through its online store and popup retail at unit price points of ¥4,950–¥27,500; (2) a Collaboration Business monetizing art IP through B2B licensing and co-creation deals with a roster of enterprise customers that includes Google, Toyota, JR East, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, JINS, Seiko Epson, Sangetsu, Tokyo Tatemono, Mizuho Financial Group, and Sekisui House; and (3) HERALBONY ACADEMY, providing corporate DE&I training programs priced at ¥40,000–¥150,000 per participant and delivered to roughly 2,000 trainees across 40+ organizations. Supporting initiatives include the HERALBONY Art Prize (an international art award that has accumulated submissions from 94 countries across three editions), the experimental music label ROUTINE RECORDS, the Beyond Blue Project for World Autism Awareness Day, and the Sanrio Puroland inclusive entertainment collaboration. The company is B Corp certified and was a finalist and category winner at the LVMH Innovation Award 2024 in the 'Employee Experience, Diversity & Inclusion' category.
Revenue is generated through a hybrid of art IP licensing (recurring royalty and collaboration fees), B2C merchandise sales, B2B collaboration and licensing fees tied to enterprise deals (including an exclusive Google Pixel 10a 'Isai Blue' Japan-only co-branded hardware release), and corporate training program fees. The go-to-market is split between sales-led enterprise licensing, direct-to-consumer online and popup retail, and channel partnerships including an OEM relationship with Google Store Japan. In early 2025, HERALBONY secured a new funding round led by WiL (also referred to as World Innovation Lab) with participation from M Power Partners and DG Ventures SGP Fund, with proceeds allocated to domestic IP licensing scale-up, physical retail buildout, and international expansion; the round also installed Hideaki Sone as new COO and refreshed the management structure.
HERALBONY firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HERALBONY
- Legal name
- 株式会社ヘラルボニー
- Website
- https://heralbony.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Japan-based creative company that licenses artwork from 153+ artists with intellectual disabilities to enterprise clients, sells branded merchandise through online and popup retail, and runs corporate DE&I training programs across Japan and Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HERALBONY industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Art Licensing and Creative Services
- NAICS
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Creator Licensing & Rights Monetization (UGC Licensing, Music/Video Rights) (MPACAFAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Creator Merchandise & Print-on-Demand Platforms (MPACAFAE), Merchandising, Character & Brand Licensing (MPADALAF)
Keywords
Where HERALBONY is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Morioka
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
HERALBONY business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Art Licensing: HERALBONY licenses art from artists with disabilities to corporate partners for use in products, branding, and marketing materials. Revenue is generated through licensing fees paid by partner companies, with a portion returned to artists as royalties.
- HERALBONY Brand Products: Direct-to-consumer sales of branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products featuring licensed artwork from HERALBONY artists. Products sold through online store and physical popup locations.
- HERALBONY ACADEMY Training Programs: Corporate DE&I training programs including DE&I workshops, team building sessions, and public school programs. Revenue generated through program fees ranging from ¥40,000 to ¥150,000 per participant.
- Collaboration Business: Co-creation projects with enterprises and brands where HERALBONY produces creative content, space design, and brand collaborations using their artists' work.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FUNclusion Session - 4.5 hour introductory DE&I program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | DE&I 1Day Edition - Full day DE&I training program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | DE&I Design 3Days - Three-day intensive DE&I program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Reversible Tote Bag |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Deshibou Tai Half Sleeve |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | T-Shirt |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Caps |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
HERALBONY product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HERALBONY licenses a curated library of 2,000+ artworks by 153+ contracted artists (primarily with intellectual disabilities) to enterprise partners for use in products, branding, space design, and marketing, paying fair royalties back to the artists. The company monetizes this IP through three lines: a Brand Business producing HERALBONY-branded apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods sold via online and popup retail; a Collaboration Business co-creating projects and licensed product collaborations with corporate clients; and HERALBONY ACADEMY, which delivers experiential DE&I training and education programs to organizations.
Product overview
HERALBONY is a creative company that operates three integrated business lines: Brand Business (art licensing for HERALBONY-branded merchandise), Collaboration Business (B2B co-creation with corporate partners), and HERALBONY ACADEMY (DE&I training programs). The company manages over 2,000 artworks by approximately 153 domestic and international artists with intellectual disabilities, paying fair royalties. Supporting initiatives include HERALBONY Art Prize (international art award), Routine Records (experimental music label), and HERALBONY EUROPE (European expansion subsidiary). The portfolio spans physical/online retail, corporate licensing, organizational training, and international art exhibitions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HERALBONY (Brand Business): Brand business that brings art to everyday life and creates cultural transformation, operating a brand that delivers art by artists with disabilities to daily life.
- Collaboration Business
- HERALBONY ACADEMY
- HERALBONY Art Prize
- ROUTINE RECORDS
- Beyond Blue Project
Products and services
- HERALBONY Brand Business (Art Licensing & Branded Merchandise) Licenses and curates a library of 2,000+ artworks by 153+ contracted artists with intellectual disabilities, and produces HERALBONY-branded apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods for sale through the company's online store and physical popup retail channels.
- HERALBONY Collaboration Business (B2B Co-Creation) B2B co-creation business partnering with corporations and brands to incorporate HERALBONY artists' artwork into corporate branding, products, marketing, and spaces, supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- HERALBONY ACADEMY (DE&I Training) DE&I training and education business delivering experiential diversity, equity, and inclusion programs for corporations, governments, and educational institutions, including DE&I workshops (FUNclusion Session, DE&I 1Day, DE&I Design 3Days), team-building programs, school-type open courses, and FUNclusion events.
- HERALBONY Art Prize International art award for artists with disabilities worldwide with a Grand Prize of ¥3 million, plus Jury and Corporate Prizes; the 2026 edition received 2,943 submissions from 77 countries/regions and an exhibition of 62 works by 56 artists.
- Routine Records Experimental music label focusing on the repetitive 'sounds' that recur in the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities, presented as a creative cultural project under the HERALBONY umbrella.
- HERALBONY EUROPE (European Subsidiary Services) European subsidiary offering B2B art licensing services to European companies and contracting artists with disabilities through local welfare facilities; led by CEO Marie Oshinoka and CGO Kei Kobayashi and based at Station F in Paris.
Quantifiable outcome
- Approximately 2,000+ program participants trained through DE&I programs across 40+ organizations
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use HERALBONY
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
HERALBONY technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
HERALBONY partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- GooglecoreCollaboration to create the exclusive Pixel 10A 'Isai Blue' edition featuring HERALBONY artist artwork including custom wallpaper, bumper case, and stickers. This is the first Pixel color to carry a Japanese name representing individuality, developed exclusively for the Japanese market.
- LIVE BOARDcoreCo-creation partner for Beyond Blue Project displaying blue-themed art on approximately 50 digital out-of-home media locations in Tokyo for World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
- Azabudai Hills (Mori Building)corePartner in Beyond Blue Project, displaying blue artworks by artists with disabilities as part of the CSR initiative aligned with creating serendipitous urban experiences.
- Tokyo MetrocorePartner in Beyond Blue Project displaying artwork across Tokyo Metro stations as part of World Autism Awareness Day initiatives.
- Sekisui HousecorePartner in Beyond Blue Project supporting the initiative to promote understanding of autism and celebrating diverse sensibilities.
- Mizuho Financial GroupcorePartner in Beyond Blue Project with the purpose of 'creating together, growing together' (ともに挑む。ともに実る。).
- Sumitomo Life Mutual InsurancecorePartner in Beyond Blue Project supporting the mission to create a stronger future for customers.
- Station FcoreWorld's largest startup campus in Paris where HERALBONY EUROPE operates from September 2024 as base for European operations and artist discovery.
- Galerie Christian BerstcoreArt gallery in Paris Marais district hosting the first overseas HERALBONY exhibition 'Artistes et HERALBONY' during Paris Fashion Week 2024.
- LVMH (La Maison des Startups LVMH)coreAs LVMH Innovation Award 2024 winner, HERALBONY participates in LVMH's startup support program receiving individual mentorship for business expansion.
- Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.coreCo-creation project to develop inclusive entertainment at Sanrio Puroland theme park, testing accessibility improvements including sign language guides, audio descriptions, and subtitles for visitors with disabilities.
- Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd.corePlatinum Partner and presenting sponsor of HERALBONY Art Prize 2026 and 2025 exhibitions. Also sponsors Brillia Prize for the art prize and implements the Brillia仮囲いアート project.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Financial GroupcoreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing SMBC Group Prize to winning artist.
- Nishimura & AsahicoreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Nishimura & Asahi Prize to winning artist.
- JINS Holdings Inc.coreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing JINS Prize to winning artist. Has collaborated on eyewear products featuring HERALBONY artist designs.
- Seiko Epson CorporationcoreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Epson Prize to winning artist.
- Sangetsu CorporationcoreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Sangetsu Prize to winning artist.
- KAI Corporation (貝印)coreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing KAI Prize to winning artist.
- East Japan Railway Company (JR東日本)coreGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing JR East Prize. Also features artist work on trains and stations, including Yamaman Mountain Liner wrapping train.
- Toyota Motor CorporationcoreNew Gold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Toyota Prize to winning artist.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
HERALBONY competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Society6: Online marketplace where independent artists monetize original artwork as wall art, apparel, and lifestyle products. Directly comparable to HERALBONY's Brand Business, operating the same artist-IP-to-licensed-merchandise pipeline at scale.
- Redbubble: Global print-on-demand marketplace enabling independent artists to sell apparel and lifestyle products featuring their designs. Closely comparable business model, creator relationships, and product categories HERALBONY occupies through its Brand and Collaboration Businesses.
- Threadless: Artist-driven apparel and lifestyle brand that licenses community-submitted designs onto physical products. Operates the same creator-art-to-merchandise model as HERALBONY, though targeting mainstream rather than mission-driven art.
- Saatchi Art: Online art marketplace connecting original-art artists with buyers globally. Comparable to HERALBONY's licensing, exhibition, and direct-art monetization components, with overlap in artist acquisition and original-work commerce.
- Fine Art America: Print-on-demand and licensing platform for visual artists selling wall art, home décor, and lifestyle products. Closely mirrors HERALBONY's artist-to-product IP pipeline, with comparable scale and licensing infrastructure.
- Artnet: Online art marketplace and gallery network with secondary-market auction and price-database functions. Comparable in curatorial IP licensing, gallery representation, and marketplace dynamics, though oriented toward fine-art market rather than mission-driven art.
- Artsy: Online art marketplace and database connecting collectors with galleries and primary-market artworks. Directly comparable as a digital-first art platform with artist-discovery and licensing-adjacent features relevant to HERALBONY's curation of contracted artists.
Emerging players
- Singulart: Curated online art marketplace focused on contemporary artists selling originals and prints globally. Comparable as an emerging online-first art marketplace, complementary to HERALBONY's licensing-and-merchandise model.
Broad incumbents
- Getty Images: Global stock visual-content and licensing giant serving enterprise marketing and media. Comparable as the established incumbent in visual-IP licensing that HERALBONY's Collaboration Business competes against for enterprise brand-content budgets.
- Shutterstock: Stock photography, footage, and music licensing platform with broad enterprise relationships and content APIs. Comparable as a large incumbent in enterprise-facing visual-IP licensing, the broader category HERALBONY participates in via B2B campaigns.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HERALBONY social profiles
Digital presenceHERALBONY compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
HERALBONY financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HERALBONY leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
HERALBONY subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
HERALBONY funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HERALBONY 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 HERALBONY
What does HERALBONY do?
HERALBONY licenses a curated library of 2,000+ artworks by 153+ contracted artists (primarily with intellectual disabilities) to enterprise partners for use in products, branding, space design, and marketing, paying fair royalties back to the artists. The company monetizes this IP through three lines: a Brand Business producing HERALBONY-branded apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods sold via online and popup retail; a Collaboration Business co-creating projects and licensed product collaborations with corporate clients; and HERALBONY ACADEMY, which delivers experiential DE&I training and education programs to organizations.
Is HERALBONY a public or private company?
HERALBONY is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was HERALBONY founded?
HERALBONY was founded in 2024. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is HERALBONY based?
HERALBONY is headquartered in Morioka, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does HERALBONY make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Art Licensing is the primary driver. The others are HERALBONY Brand Products, HERALBONY ACADEMY Training Programs and collaboration Business.
Who are HERALBONY's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Society6, Redbubble, Threadless, Saatchi Art, Fine Art America, Artnet and Artsy. Singulart is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Getty Images and Shutterstock.
Does HERALBONY have an API?
No public API is recorded for HERALBONY.
What industry is HERALBONY in?
HERALBONY's product category is Art Licensing and Creative Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACAFAK, Creator Licensing & Rights Monetization (UGC Licensing, Music/Video Rights), with a secondary code of MPACAFAE, Creator Merchandise & Print-on-Demand Platforms. Its NAICS code is 541 and its SIC code is 2741.