"DramaBox, one of the leading producers of the short-video format filled with soapy tropes, has been seeking fresh funding from US backers, according to two people with direct knowledge of its efforts. One said DramaBox's fundraising goal was $100 million with a $500 million valuation. DramaBox is part of Singapore-based StoryMatrix, and is behind titles like "A Deal with the Hockey Captain" and "The Lost Heir: A Christmas Reckoning" that it monetizes through one-off payments, subscriptions (usually $20 a week), and ads."
"DramaBox did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Executives at DramaBox told Business Insider in September that the company was profitable and that their ambition was to become the most popular micro-drama platform for Americans. They aimed to do so by working with Hollywood filmmakers and diversifying into new storytelling styles and genres, such as series for families and choose-your-own-adventure-style dramas."
"Industry reports regularly list DramaBox as one of the top two micro-drama apps, alongside fellow Asian import ReelShort. Analytics firm Sensor Tower estimated that DramaBox generated $120 million in global in-app revenue in the first quarter of 2025, just behind ReelShort's $130 million. DramaBox countered in the September interview that its numbers were higher, without sharing specifics. The streaming consulting firm Owl & Co. estimated that the format had generated $1.3 billion in the US in 2025, mostly from direct payments from viewers."
DramaBox is pursuing $100 million in funding at an asserted $500 million valuation as micro-drama competition intensifies in the US. The app, part of Singapore-based StoryMatrix, monetizes short-soap titles through one-off payments, weekly subscriptions (often $20) and advertising. Executives report profitability and plan partnerships with Hollywood filmmakers while expanding into family series and interactive, choose-your-own-adventure formats. Industry analytics place DramaBox among the top platforms alongside ReelShort, with Sensor Tower and Owl & Co. estimating substantial in-app revenues and broad consumer payments. Some investors express skepticism about the format's long-term sustainability.
Read at Business Insider
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