via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out on to court prior to her during her Women’s Singles first round match against Anna Blinkova of Russia on day two of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out on to court prior to her during her Women’s Singles first round match against Anna Blinkova of Russia on day two of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
25-year-old Japanese tennis icon Naomi Osaka left the world in awe with some terrific performances from 2018 to 2021. Unfortunately, the former World No. 1 could not keep her momentum going after struggling with mental health issues. Right now, Osaka is pregnant and taking a break from tennis. However, on the business front, she is still making some serious moves.
Recently, Osaka’s media production firm Hana Kuma announced the launch of its new funding round, which boasts renowned investors Fenway Sports, Epic Games, and Disruptive Acquisition Corp as participants. The SpringHill Company, which played a massive role in incubating Hana Kuma, is also taking part in it.
The marketable Naomi Osaka is taking Hana Kuma places
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Over recent years, Naomi Osaka has undoubtedly been one of tennis’ most marketable names. Her foray into business with Hana Kuma has been regarded by many as her attempt to make her presence felt in Hollywood. The SpringHill Company, which is owned by NBA legend LeBron James, pushed the company into prominence.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Women’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Japan’s Naomi Osaka celebrates with the trophy after winning her final match against Jennifer Brady of the U.S. REUTERS/Kelly Defina
According to Hana Kuma co-founder and agent Stuart Duguid, “You know there was never any grand plan of we’ll spend X amount of time under the SpringHill umbrella, and then we’ll go and do it ourselves”. In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he also mentioned that Hana Kuma’s establishment was an organic and natural process.
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Following the company’s launch in 2022, it has been quite successful at making itself unique. It strives to tell a diverse array of disruptive stories that span branded, digital, scripted, and unscripted content. Maverick Carter, the CEO of The SpringHill Company, also remarked on the funding round in a press release. He said, “We’re excited to continue being a great partner to Hana Kuma as they keep expanding and creating important content.” The belief of the investors in the potential of Hana Kuma is evident as its latest funding round raised $5 million.
When will Osaka be back in action?
Following her withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open, Osaka made her pregnancy public. The Australian Open withdrawal came on the back of Osaka pulling out of the Japan Open. Before that, Osaka’s form wasn’t great. All in all, fans can expect the Japanese tennis sensation to spend at least a year away from the circuit.
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During the Australian Open, fans sorely missed Osaka in action. Going into the tournament, all bets were on Iga Swiatek to win a consecutive Australian Open title. However, Swiatek couldn’t repeat her 2022 performance, and fans believed that Osaka would have had a chance to win a 5th Grand Slam had she played.
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