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

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

"Hokohoko M&A" views YouTube channels not merely as accounts, but as "media businesses" encompassing video assets, revenue bases, and operational know-how. It comprehensively supports contract creation, channel information verification, escrow of funds, and transfer of authority to ensure that both sellers and buyers can proceed with transactions with peace of mind.

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

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 possessing 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, viewer demographics, past video assets, and operational know-how. Specialized channels, particularly in areas such as gaming, business, beauty, education, and hobbies, can become M&A targets for companies seeking synergy with existing businesses or those considering new market entry.

On the other hand, the buying and selling of YouTube channels involves different verification points compared to typical website sales, such as authority transfer, monetization settings, contract details, payment settlement, and the handover of personal dependency. Therefore, a mechanism to ensure transparency and safety in transactions is crucial for both sellers and buyers.

Features of "Hokohoko M&A" for YouTube Transactions

"Hokohoko M&A" aims to "safely and securely support the buying and selling of YouTube channels" and assists with the transaction processes necessary for YouTube media business M&A.

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. This helps both sellers and buyers clarify the agreed-upon terms, including transfer targets, authority transfer, representations and warranties, prohibited acts, and handover details, to proceed with the transaction.

2. Transparency of Channel Information

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

3. Reduced Transaction Risk through Escrow of Funds

We temporarily hold the transfer funds until the channel transfer procedures are completed. This aims to prevent issues 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 post-acquisition operational risks, supporting more confident decision-making.

Future Developments

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

Going forward, we will enhance functions for YouTube channel M&A, including listing cases, data verification, contracts, payments, and handover support, through AI automation, aiming to achieve a cumulative total of 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 deal completion. The minimum fee is 55,000 JPY (tax included).

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 aims to "safely and securely support the buying and selling of YouTube channels" and assists with the transaction processes necessary for YouTube media business M&A.

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

Ampersand Inc. is a company that provides full hands-on incubation programs for entrepreneurs. It supports entrepreneurs with business plans in business development, product development, etc.