stu Secures Investment from Dentsu Group, Launches New Brand "zeitgeist" and Partners with Korean Studio to Create Global Trends

Tokyo-based creative technology company stu announces it has received an investment from Dentsu Group Inc. through the group’s R&D organization, Dentsu Innovation Initiative (DII).

Simultaneously, stu’s marketing unit has launched a new brand, “zeitgeist,” to provide comprehensive marketing and branding support at a global standard. Additionally, stu has formed a partnership with VBstudio, a Korean visual content production company, to deliver creative experiences that lead global trends.

 

■ Investment details
The investment comes through Dentsu Group’s R&D organization, Dentsu Innovation Initiative (DII). DII drives business development through global-scale investments in startups and technology companies, aiming to create new business foundations for the Dentsu Group.

stu’s potential for global value creation in edge tech areas such as 5G, XR, and metaverse, as well as its content development business incorporating world-class production workflows like writers’ rooms and pre-visualization, led to this investment.

With this funding, stu aims to combine Dentsu Group’s expertise and know-how to provide even greater value.

“As entertainment continues to diversify, Japanese content is gaining global attention. Technological advancements are constantly giving birth to new digital content, development workflows, and novel entertainment experiences. We are excited to fully support stu as they take on the challenge of competing globally from Japan, right at the epicenter of this seismic shift.” commented on the investment Takeshi Oda, Senior Manager, Dentsu Innovation Initiative, Dentsu Group Inc.

■ About zeitgeist

stu’s marketing unit has launched a new brand, “zeitgeist.” As consumer lifestyles and media consumption patterns continue to evolve, entertainment has diversified. Technological advancements have given rise to new forms of entertainment experiences, making entertainment-based strategies for engaging consumers and building fandoms increasingly significant for many companies.

Zeitgeist refers to the defining spirit, mood, or ideas of a particular period. By questioning everything, challenging the status quo, and daring to ask “What if?”, we aim to achieve true innovation. Our approach combines deep cultural insights, strategic foresight, and bold creativity to elevate not just our clients, but entire industries.

Several projects, including a new brand launch for a major corporation, are already underway. By capturing the spirit of the times and overturning industry conventions with innovative strategies, zeitgeist aims to create replicable global trends that propel our clients’ businesses into the future.

■ Partnership with VBstudio

stu has also established a partnership with VBstudio, a Korean visual content production company, creating a new brand for creative support called “SVX (stu X VB EXPERIENCE)”.

By combining VBstudio’s visual design prowess with stu’s technological capabilities, SVX will create innovative experiences that blur the lines between reality and virtual, art and technology. Through these future-oriented experiences, both companies aim to lead the market as trendsetters.

This partnership will strongly support the creation of global trends originating from Japan and assist companies in their global expansion efforts.

About Dentsu Innovation Initiative

Dentsu Innovation Initiative is the R&D organization of Dentsu Group. It promotes investments and business development in promising startups and technology companies globally, working to create future business foundations. 

https://innovation.dentsu.com/

About VBstudio

VBstudio is a Korean visual content production company. Active in various fields including advertising, film, games, and broadcasting, they provide high-quality graphics and visual experiences. URL: https://vbstudio.kr/

 

About stu Inc.

stu is a creative technology company on a mission to reinvent entertainment. Headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led by CEO Takayasu Kuroda, stu stands at the intersection of advanced tech and immersive experiences, blending 5G, XR, and AI with innovative visual and experiential design. Our borderless creative team pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, developing next-generation entertainment content that captivates audiences.

From our edge tech initiatives in the metaverse to our content development featuring world-class production workflows like writers’ rooms and pre-visualization, stu is pioneering the future of entertainment. We collaborate with industry leaders and government bodies to bring visionary ideas to life, setting new standards in the digital age.

Founded in 2017, stu continues to grow rapidly, attracting top talent and partnering with global brands to create unforgettable experiences. Our work spans virtual productions, live events, interactive installations, and cutting-edge digital platforms, always with an eye toward innovation and audience engagement.

Join us as we shape the next era of entertainment.

Contact: contact@stu.inc
Official Website: stu.inc
Official X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/stuinc_