Mansa, a streaming platform putting the spotlight on Black culture globally, has reached a new milestone. 

On April 18, after a year of beta testing, Mansa announced it has raised $8 million in a seed funding round, according to a press release shared with AfroTech. Focused on diverse storytelling, the free, ad-supported streaming platform is co-founded by actors David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, and Chiké Okonkwo, as well as tech entrepreneur and film financier Zak Tanjeloff.

“Black culture is at the forefront of global culture,” Oyelowo said in a press statement. “Yet at the same time, only the tip of the iceberg has been cultivated and propagated; we’re here to showcase the true breadth and depth of it for a Global audience.”

He added, “We aim to change the paradigm around creator fairness, resolving to address long felt challenges in the industry through addressing, ownership, transparency and community on a foundational level. Mansa is diligently looking for content creators and companies within entertainment to work with, building a centralized hub where all can thrive together. To this point, that is something the establishment has been reluctant to do as a matter of practice. We will be announcing some very exciting partnerships and shows very soon.”

The press release discloses that the round was led by MaC Venture Capital. Among investors were Robert F. Smith, WndrCo, Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Investment Partners, Base Ventures, Dubin & Co, and Rainmaker Films.

“David and Nate are proven creators and producers of culturally relevant and top-selling content,” said Marlon Nichols, co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital, in a press release. “Further, they’ve assembled an all-star cast of content curators, streaming technology product managers and engineers. There is no better team to build and grow the category winner in the wide open AVOD sector. They are building the future of advertising and video in a space where there hasn’t been a clear leader. I’m proud to work alongside a committed team that celebrates Black creatives and communities while pushing the culture forward.” 

The press release notes that Mansa “has already licensed over 1,500 hours of content, and secured partnerships with upwards of 50 content suppliers with over two dozen licensed FAST channels rolling out…” 

Following its launch in the U.S. this quarter, the company is set to expand into Africa and across the diaspora.