HERALBONY

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.

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

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

• Art licensing platform
• DE&I training programs
• Branded merchandise sales
• Creative brand collaborations
• Inclusive art IP management

Headquarters

HQ city

Morioka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• GooglecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2026Collaboration 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 BOARDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Beyond Blue Project, displaying blue artworks by artists with disabilities as part of the CSR initiative aligned with creating serendipitous urban experiences.
• Tokyo MetrocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Beyond Blue Project displaying artwork across Tokyo Metro stations as part of World Autism Awareness Day initiatives.
• Sekisui HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Beyond Blue Project supporting the initiative to promote understanding of autism and celebrating diverse sensibilities.
• Mizuho Financial GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner 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 InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Beyond Blue Project supporting the mission to create a stronger future for customers.
• Station FcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest startup campus in Paris where HERALBONY EUROPE operates from September 2024 as base for European operations and artist discovery.
• Galerie Christian BerstcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs LVMH Innovation Award 2024 winner, HERALBONY participates in LVMH's startup support program receiving individual mentorship for business expansion.
• Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-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.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum 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 GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing SMBC Group Prize to winning artist.
• Nishimura & AsahicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Nishimura & Asahi Prize to winning artist.
• JINS Holdings Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing JINS Prize to winning artist. Has collaborated on eyewear products featuring HERALBONY artist designs.
• Seiko Epson CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Epson Prize to winning artist.
• Sangetsu CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Sangetsu Prize to winning artist.
• KAI Corporation (貝印)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing KAI Prize to winning artist.
• East Japan Railway Company (JR東日本)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold 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 CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Gold Partner for HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, providing Toyota Prize to winning artist.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct 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

• Xx.com/heralbony
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@heralbony
• Facebookfacebook.com/heralbony
• Instagraminstagram.com/heralbony
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heralbony-co-ltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors3 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 HERALBONY