Ampersand Inc. Launches "Hokohoko M&A," a New Service for Buying and Selling YouTube Media Businesses

Ampersand Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director CEO: Kosei Goto; hereinafter "Ampersand") has newly launched a support service for buying and selling YouTube media businesses through its business matching platform "Hokohoko M&A," which specializes in micro-M&A.

"Hokohoko M&A" views YouTube channels not merely as accounts, but as "media businesses" that include video assets, revenue bases, and operational know-how. It provides comprehensive support for contract creation, channel information verification, escrow of payments, and transfer of authority, enabling both sellers and buyers to proceed with transactions with peace of mind.

Background: The Expanding Market for Buying and Selling YouTube Media Businesses in the Micro-M&A Sector

In recent years, micro-M&A, targeting web media, e-commerce sites, social media accounts, and YouTube channels operated by individuals and small businesses, has been expanding. Among these, YouTube channels are attracting attention as media assets with subscribers, past videos, viewing data, advertising revenue, sponsor revenue, and communities.

In the buying and selling of YouTube media businesses, even channels that have not yet achieved sufficient monetization can find buyers who see value in their genre, audience demographics, past video assets, and operational know-how. In particular, specialized channels in areas such as gaming, business, beauty, education, and hobbies may become M&A targets for companies seeking synergy with existing businesses or operators considering new market entry.

On the other hand, the buying and selling of YouTube channels involves verification items that differ from typical website transactions, such as authority transfer, monetization settings, contract details, payment settlement, and the handover of personal dependency. Therefore, a mechanism that ensures transparency and security for both sellers and buyers is crucial.

Features of "Hokohoko M&A" for YouTube Transactions

"Hokohoko M&A" advocates for "safe and secure support for buying and selling YouTube channels" and assists with the transaction processes necessary for buying and selling YouTube media businesses.

1. Transfer Agreement tailored for YouTube Channel Transactions

We provide a template for transfer agreements that incorporates the necessary verification items for YouTube channel transactions. We organize transfer targets, authority transfer, representations and warranties, prohibited matters, and handover details, supporting both sellers and buyers to proceed with transactions after clarifying the agreed-upon terms.

2. Transparency of Channel Information

We verify YouTube channel data and operational status to improve the transparency of information presented by sellers. Buyers can make informed decisions based on subscriber numbers, viewing data, revenue status, and operational risks.

3. Reduced Transaction Risk through Payment Escrow

We temporarily hold the transfer payment until the channel transfer procedures are completed. This aims to prevent troubles such as authority not being transferred after payment, or payment not being made after transfer.

4. Visualization of Handover Ease

We visualize the difficulty of handover after acquisition based on factors such as whether the presenter's face is shown, the channel's personal dependency, video production system, and the presence of operational know-how. This helps buyers grasp the operational risks after acquisition, supporting more convincing decision-making.

Future Developments

Ampersand, through "Hokohoko M&A," will expand opportunities for individuals and small businesses to succeed their YouTube media businesses, and create an environment where buyers can utilize it as a means to acquire new businesses or marketing channels.

Going forward, we will enhance the functions for listing cases, data verification, contracts, settlements, and handover support in YouTube channel transactions through AI automation, aiming to support 2,000 successful deals by September 2027.

Fees

"Hokohoko M&A" charges buyers a system usage fee of 5% of the transfer price upon successful transfer. The minimum usage fee is 55,000 JPY (including tax).

To commemorate the launch of the service, the system usage fee will be waived for deals closed by the end of September 2026.

About "Hokohoko M&A" (https://hokohoko.co/yt)

"Hokohoko M&A" is an M&A platform specializing in micro-M&A with transaction prices under 10 million JPY. It advocates for "safe and secure support for buying and selling YouTube channels" and assists with the transaction processes necessary for buying and selling YouTube media businesses.

About Ampersand Inc. (https://ampersand-inc.co.jp/)

Ampersand Inc. is a company that provides a full hands-on incubation program for entrepreneurs. It offers business development and production support to entrepreneurs with business plans.