AMAKA Studio, a rising platform committed to empowering Black and African creators, has successfully closed a $2 million seed funding round. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s mission to revolutionize the creator economy by addressing long-standing inequities in the digital space. The round was led by Equitane, previously known as the Africa Transformation and Industrialization Fund (ATIF), alongside major partners including Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab, Silverbacks Holdings, and a group of angel investors.

Driving the Next Phase of Growth

The $2 million investment will be allocated strategically across various key areas to fuel AMAKA Studio’s growth and innovation. At the heart of the company's plans is AMAKA Gigs, its flagship platform designed to streamline the process of connecting Black and African creators with brands. AMAKA Gigs is not just about sharing content but also about enabling creators to be commissioned and compensated for their work. This platform aims to bridge the gap between creators and brands by fostering collaboration, transparency, and financial equity.

As the platform continues to evolve, creators will benefit from enhanced tools that allow for easier content management and brand engagement. According to AMAKA Studio’s Founder and CEO, Adaora Oramah, the funding will allow the company to scale its platform and expand its services to better support creators in their journey toward financial inclusion.

“This investment enables us to scale to a full proposition and technological ecosystem for creators to share content while also being commissioned for their work on the platform. We aim to compensate Black and African creators for their work and address their current pain points while allowing audiences to browse and support both emerging and established content creators," Oramah stated.

Enhancing Payments and User Experience

One of the most significant areas of focus for AMAKA Studio is addressing the payment challenges creators often face. The company plans to integrate digital wallets and accounts into its platform, providing creators with seamless and efficient payment options. By offering streamlined payment solutions, AMAKA aims to tackle one of the creator economy’s most pressing issues—delayed or insufficient compensation for work.

Additionally, part of the $2 million funding will be used to boost marketing efforts through targeted campaigns aimed at user acquisition, activation, and retention. These efforts will help expand the AMAKA Gigs platform’s reach, bringing more creators and brands into the fold and fostering a vibrant and active community.

A Platform for Equity and Inclusion

AMAKA Studio’s commitment to equity extends beyond financial compensation. The platform is designed to address the historical underrepresentation of Black and African creators in the digital economy. By providing a space where creators can showcase their work and be compensated fairly, AMAKA is driving a larger conversation about financial equity and inclusion within the creative industries.

The platform’s unique model allows creators to collaborate directly with brands, ensuring a transparent process that benefits both parties. As brands increasingly seek diverse voices and fresh perspectives for their campaigns, AMAKA Gigs positions itself as a critical player in providing access to a pool of talented and often overlooked creators.

“This step is more than just a financial boost—it’s about driving equity for Black and African creators who have been historically underserved,” Oramah emphasized. “From content creation and commissioning to financial inclusion, we are driving economic impact and change for a dynamic community.”

Scaling for the Future

In the coming months, AMAKA Studio plans to ramp up its sales and B2B marketing efforts, targeting both small businesses and larger advertisers. The platform aims to create long-term partnerships that will solidify its position as a leader in the creator economy. The goal is not just to support individual creators but also to build a sustainable ecosystem where creators and brands can thrive together.

Equitane’s CEO, Anish Jain, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership. “We are excited to lead the investment in AMAKA Studio’s remarkable journey toward revolutionizing the creator economy. At Equitane, our mission to drive sustainable and innovative development aligns perfectly with AMAKA’s vision to empower creators through cutting-edge technology and financial solutions,” Jain said.

A Vision for Long-Term Impact

Over the past three years, AMAKA Studio has grown into a diverse and inclusive platform where creators and brands can collaborate and prosper. Moving forward, the company plans to introduce new tools and features that will allow creators to build direct relationships with brands, further enhancing the opportunities available on the platform.

AMAKA Studio’s focus on social content creation, job creation, and financial inclusion positions it as a key player in driving change in the digital economy. By creating opportunities for Black and African creators, the platform is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term growth and success in an industry that has traditionally excluded these voices.

As AMAKA Studio continues to evolve, it remains committed to building a thriving, inclusive community where creators and brands can connect, collaborate, and innovate. The recent seed funding is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for the platform and its users.

AMAKA Studio’s $2 million seed funding round marks a critical turning point in its journey to empower creators and drive equity in the digital economy. With plans to expand its platform, improve payment solutions, and enhance marketing efforts, AMAKA is poised to revolutionize how Black and African creators engage with brands. As the company moves forward, it remains dedicated to creating a space where creators can thrive, be compensated fairly, and drive meaningful change in the creator economy.