Media Engine
Tokyo-based content marketing firm and Sold-Out subsidiary within the Hakuhodo DY Holdings group, combining a 2,000+ expert creator network with proprietary AI tools to deliver owned media construction, SEO/AIO, SNS operations, and content production for Japanese enterprises and SMEs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Media Engine does
Media Engine Co., Ltd. (メディアエンジン株式会社) is a Tokyo-based content marketing and media operations company founded December 4, 2017, that operates as a consolidated subsidiary of Sold-Out Co., Ltd. within the Hakuhodo DY Holdings group. The company runs two divisions: a Media Division managing proprietary media platforms including Wellulu (wellbeing-themed consumer media launched in March 2023), LISKUL (B2B professional content media with 40M+ cumulative page views), and Panda Film (vertical short-form drama production on TikTok and Instagram launched in 2024), and a Marketing Solutions Division providing owned media construction, interview article production, SEO/AIO optimization, SNS operations, influencer marketing, and content planning/production services to Japanese enterprises and SMEs across HR, real estate, finance, and beauty sectors.
The company's core technology combines a curated network of 2,000+ experts, influencers, and creators with proprietary AI-driven research and analysis systems and named product offerings such as OwneDO (an owned media starter package built on Revolver's dino cloud CMS) and AI Pilot (a generative AI DX support product co-developed with UAE-based MYUUU). AI modalities span text, code, image, and video, with AI Pilot covering prompt engineering, GPTs, text/image/video generation AI, and a subscription-based e-Learning curriculum; the CMS layer (dino by Revolver) provides serverless owned media infrastructure with automated security and feature updates.
Media Engine generates revenue through a mix of streams: advertising on owned media properties, professional services billed through project-based or multi-year contracts, performance-based lead generation fees via RentaLISKUL, and subscription revenue from AI e-Learning. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales leveraging the Hakuhodo DY Holdings group's distribution network (including 21 Sold-Out sales offices across Japan) with strategic channel partnerships (Mynavi, Hakuhodo DY ONE, Hakuhuto, Bunka Broadcasting, emole) and an emerging content distribution presence on consumer platforms including BUMP. Primary customer segments are Japanese SMEs and enterprises, with named enterprise partners including Mynavi Corporation, Hakuhodo DY ONE, Hakuhuto Inc., Joqr Broadcasting, Core Mix, and emole.
Media Engine firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Media Engine
- Legal name
- メディアエンジン株式会社
- Website
- https://media-engine.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Tokyo-based content marketing firm and Sold-Out subsidiary within the Hakuhodo DY Holdings group, combining a 2,000+ expert creator network with proprietary AI tools to deliver owned media construction, SEO/AIO, SNS operations, and content production for Japanese enterprises and SMEs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Media Engine industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Content Marketing Services
- NAICS
- Broadcasting and Content Providers (516), Publishing Industries (513), Media Representatives (54184)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819), Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Content Supply Chain Orchestration & Workflow (Ingest-to-Publish, Automation) (MPAHALAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Collaborative Project & Workflow Orchestration (tasking, automation, pipeline integration) (MPAHANAC), Data Platform & Audience Insights (CDP, Data Warehouse, Attribution) (MPAHAJAN)
Keywords
Where Media Engine is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Media Engine business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Media Business: Self-owned media operations including Wellulu (wellbeing), LISKUL (B2B professional content), and Panda Film (short drama). Generates revenue through media advertising, sponsored content, and platform services.
- Marketing Solutions Services: Owned media construction and support, article production, SEO/AIO, SNS operations, influencer marketing, and content planning/production. Professional services billed through project-based or retainer contracts.
- Lead Generation Services: RentaLISKUL performance-based document posting service enabling lead acquisition for corporate clients. Revenue generated from lead generation fees.
- AI Consulting and Training: AI Pilot services including governance consulting, content marketing new business development, and AI e-Learning subscription courses. Revenue from consulting fees and subscription models.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | AI e-Learning Subscription |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | RentaLISKUL Performance-Based Service |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Professional Services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Media Engine product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Media Engine operates a content marketing platform that combines proprietary AI-driven content creation and analysis systems with a managed network of 2,000+ experts, creators, and influencers. The company sells owned media construction, SEO/AIO optimization, SNS account operations, influencer marketing, interview article production, and content planning services to enterprises and SMEs in Japan, while also operating proprietary media platforms (Wellulu, LISKUL, Panda Film) and packaged offerings (OwneDO, AI Pilot).
Product overview
Media Engine operates two divisions: a Media Division managing proprietary media platforms (Wellulu, LISKUL, Panda Film) and a Marketing Solutions Division providing client services (owned media construction, interview articles, SEO/AIO, SNS operations, influencer marketing, content production). The company also offers named products including OwneDO (owned media starter package) and AI Pilot (generative AI for media operations). With a network of 2,000+ experts, creators, and influencers, the company combines human expertise with AI-driven systems to deliver content marketing and media branding solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Wellulu: A well-being themed media platform launched in 2023, focusing on the concept of 'connections circulating'. Features stories about people, things, places, and promotes member communities.
- LISKUL
- Panda Film
- OwneDO
- AI Pilot (AIパイロット)
Products and services
- Wellulu (ウェルル) A well-being themed proprietary media platform that delivers diagnostic content using the 'Wellbeing 21 Factors' methodology and operates a member community alongside content distribution for B2C end-users interested in lifestyle and wellness.
- LISKUL B2B-focused web media offering practical content directly linked to business operations, exceeding 40 million cumulative page views. Includes the 'RentaLISKUL' performance-based document posting lead-generation service supporting over 500 companies.
- Panda Film Short-form vertical video production service specializing in emotional narratives for daily life, providing full-stack support from planning and scriptwriting to filming, editing, and account management on TikTok and Instagram for brand awareness and fan development.
- OwneDO Owned media starter package providing one-stop support from construction to operation, including SEO strategy, UI/UX experience design, high-quality content production using a 2,000+ creator network, and website construction using Revolver's dino CMS.
- AI Pilot (AIパイロット) Generative AI-powered media operations DX support product developed with MYUUU. Provides AI governance consulting, content marketing new business development support, SG&A cost optimization, SEO support, and e-learning video-based training covering text/image/video generation AI and prompt engineering.
- Owned Media Construction/Support Professional service for web media construction and operational support including site strategy development, core concept design, website UI design, and in-house media operations support for enterprises.
- Interview Article Production Professional service covering planning, question preparation, casting, appointment coordination, photo/video shooting, and article/video creation for interview-format content.
- SEO/AIO Measures End-to-end SEO and AIO (AI Optimization) improvement services including SEO article planning and production, internal SEO consulting, competitive research and keyword strategy, AIO display rate improvement proposals, and SEO/AIO reporting.
- SNS Account Operations Social media account management services tailored to each platform's characteristics, including strategy development, account concept creation, content production and direction, algorithm expertise sharing, and reporting.
- Influencer Marketing Influencer marketing services including optimal casting, fan and user participation campaigns, and collaborations with local governments and community organizations leveraging a nationwide network.
- Content Planning and Production Content-driven video production services including short drama content, documentary content, digital buzz-driven MV/PV production, and collaborations with existing media accounts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40M+ cumulative page views on LISKUL media
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Media Engine
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Media Engine technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability7 records
Feature6 records
Media Engine partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and specialized.
- Hakuhuto Inc. (株式会社博報堂)flagshipCo-development partnership for 'Hamamatsucho Innovation Culture Cafe' web media expansion. Media Engine serves as incubation partner for Web media 'Innovatia.' Hakuhuto contributes innovation support track record and stakeholder network.
- Joqr Broadcasting (文化放送)flagshipPartnership for 'Hamamatsucho Innovation Culture Cafe' web media expansion. Cultural broadcast radio station whose program concept is extended online through Innovatia platform.
- Mynavi Corporation (株式会社マイナビ)coreJoint service partnership for 'Owned Media Comprehensive Support Package Service.' Mynavi provides planning capabilities, editorial direction, media placement, and in-house support based on extensive media operations experience. Service launched November 2025.
- Hakuhodo DY ONE (株式会社Hakuhodo DY ONE)coreJoint service partner providing SEO/AIO expertise, keyword strategy, site construction, and performance measurement. Founded April 2024 as Hakuhodo DY Group's digital core. Part of HCAI Initiative for AI-driven content strategy.
- Core Mix Co., Ltd. (株式会社コアミックス)specializedContent partnership for manga-to-anime adaptation of '推しが部下になりました'. Core Mix provides original manga IP while Media Engine produces vertical short anime content.
- ZERO Animation (株式会社ZERO Animation)specializedAnime production partnership for vertical short-form animation. ZERO Animation handles production while Media Engine manages overall project coordination and distribution strategy.
- emole Inc. (emole株式会社)specializedDistribution partnership for short anime content through emole's BUMP platform (240万+ app downloads, 3 billion+ video views). Media Engine produces content for exclusive distribution on BUMP.
- Sold-Out Co., Ltd. (ソウルドアウト株式会社) - Social Marketing InitiativecoreCross-company project 'Social Marketing Initiative' for expanding SNS marketing services. Combines Sold-Out group's capabilities for TikTok Shop, short drama production, and influencer marketing services targeting SME market.
- Daiko Femtech Femcare Lab (大広フェムテック・フェムケアラボ)specializedPartnership between Media Engine's femcare/femtech team and Daiko's specialized team for insight discovery and content development. Combines insight discovery capabilities with creative content production for health management promotion.
- MYUUUcoreJoint development of 'AI Pilot' generative AI content marketing DX support product. MYUUU, a UAE-based startup specializing in generative AI and blockchain, provides AI technology while Media Engine contributes content marketing industry expertise.
- Revolver Inc. (株式会社リボルバー)coreTechnology partnership using Revolver's 'dino' content marketing suite CMS for owned media infrastructure. Cloud-based SaaS platform provides serverless infrastructure with automatic security and feature updates.
- Hakuhuto i-Studio (株式会社博報堂アイ・スタジオ)coreJoint service partnership for 'OwneDO' owned media starter package. i-Studio provides CX design, UI/UX, and cross-border support for brand and customer creation. Partnership leverages Hakuhuto Group's consumer insight methodologies.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Media Engine competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ferret One: Japanese content marketing SaaS platform offering owned media CMS, SEO, and lead-generation tools to SMEs and enterprises. Direct competitor in the Japan owned-media CMS + marketing services segment, sharing Media Engine's customer profile and product approach.
- Members Co., Ltd. (メンバーズ): Japanese digital marketing services firm specializing in owned media operation, content production, and digital creative for enterprises. Closely comparable in target customers (Japanese enterprises and SMEs), service mix (content production + SEO/SNS operation), and in-house creator team model.
- PR TIMES Corporation: Japan's largest press release distribution and content marketing platform, serving corporate communications and owned media traffic. Comparable in providing content distribution infrastructure that Japanese enterprises use for owned media visibility and brand exposure.
Broad incumbents
- Septeni Holdings: Listed Japanese digital advertising holding company with broad digital marketing, SNS operation, and creative production capabilities. Comparable as a larger, broader-portfolio incumbent in the same Japanese digital content marketing space.
- FreakOut Holdings: Japanese digital advertising technology company with programmatic, SNS, and creative production capabilities. Adjacent competitor overlapping Media Engine's influencer marketing, SNS operation, and digital ad services.
- Allied Architects, Inc. Japanese digital marketing group offering advertising, content, and creator-related services with proprietary creator platforms. Comparable in combining creator network monetization with content marketing for enterprise brands.
- Digital Holdings (formerly Digital Garage): Diversified Japanese digital marketing group with agencies, content, and platform businesses serving enterprise clients. A broader incumbent competitor overlapping Media Engine's owned media, SEO, and content production offerings.
- Hakuhodo Inc. (博報堂): One of Japan's largest advertising agencies and the core operating company of parent Hakuhodo DY Holdings. Parent ecosystem player providing enterprise marketing services that overlap with Media Engine's owned media and content offerings.
- IREP Inc. (アイレップ): Hakuhodo DY Group-affiliated digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, SEM, and content marketing for Japanese enterprises. Highly comparable as a fellow group-affiliate competitor targeting the same SEO/AIO and owned-media enterprise spend.
Emerging players
- Jasper AI: US-based generative AI content marketing platform serving marketing teams. Comparable as an emerging AI content-marketing SaaS that competes for the same AI-driven content production budgets Media Engine targets with its AI Pilot offering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Media Engine social profiles
Digital presenceMedia Engine financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Media Engine leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Media Engine funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Media Engine 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 Media Engine
What does Media Engine do?
Media Engine operates a content marketing platform that combines proprietary AI-driven content creation and analysis systems with a managed network of 2,000+ experts, creators, and influencers. The company sells owned media construction, SEO/AIO optimization, SNS account operations, influencer marketing, interview article production, and content planning services to enterprises and SMEs in Japan, while also operating proprietary media platforms (Wellulu, LISKUL, Panda Film) and packaged offerings (OwneDO, AI Pilot).
Is Media Engine a public or private company?
Media Engine is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Media Engine founded?
Media Engine was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Media Engine based?
Media Engine is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Media Engine make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Media Business are the primary driver. The others are marketing Solutions Services, lead Generation Services and AI Consulting and Training.
Who are Media Engine's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ferret One, Members Co., Ltd. (メンバーズ) and PR TIMES Corporation. Broad incumbents are Septeni Holdings, FreakOut Holdings, Allied Architects, Inc., Digital Holdings (formerly Digital Garage), Hakuhodo Inc. (博報堂) and IREP Inc. (アイレップ). Jasper AI is listed as an emerging player.
Does Media Engine have an API?
No public API is recorded for Media Engine.
What industry is Media Engine in?
Media Engine's product category is Content Marketing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHALAG, Content Supply Chain Orchestration & Workflow (Ingest-to-Publish, Automation), with a secondary code of MPAHANAC, Collaborative Project & Workflow Orchestration (tasking, automation, pipeline integration). Its NAICS code is 516 and its SIC code is 7812.