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HarbourView Equity Partners, an alternative asset management firm focused on the music, entertainment, media, and sports sectors, is leading a $30 million investment in the award-winning studio Lion Forge Entertainment. With approximately $2.67 billion in regulatory assets under management, HarbourView’s investment includes participation from the Steward Family and Polarity, who remain the majority owners of Lion Forge.

This new minority investment aims to help Lion Forge expand its intellectual property (IP) portfolio and enhance its franchise pipeline, supporting the studio’s core business and driving organic growth across its various sectors. “We believe that content has the extraordinary power to influence the world,” stated Sherrese Clarke, founder and CEO of HarbourView. “This is a unique moment in the kids’ family space, and Lion Forge is seizing the opportunity to tell compelling stories authentically and cultivate global franchises at scale. This aligns with our vision for the next generation of multiplatform media companies, which can grow by introducing fresh ideas that reflect our evolving world and creating culturally authentic and socially relevant content.”

David Steward II commented, “Sherrese is a trailblazing investor leading a culture-driving company. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our company and properties. This is a validating moment for our young company. The synergy between HarbourView’s investment strategy and Lion Forge’s franchise-building approach will enable us to optimize opportunities at the intersection of entertainment, culture, and content, positioning us as a category-defining leader.”

Stephanie Sperber, President and Chief Creative Officer of Lion Forge, added, “We collaborate with incredible creators and exceptional IP. The support from HarbourView will allow us to develop and expand our library. Sherrese and her team recognize the market opportunity for premium kids, family, and young adult franchises, motivating us to focus on what we do best—creating global content and building franchises.”

Founded by David Steward II, Lion Forge Entertainment develops animated and live-action content for kids, families, young adults, and adult audiences. The studio has seen success with projects like the Oscar-winning short Hair Love and the breakout series Iyanu, which has become a top series on both HBO Max and Cartoon Network. Season 2 of Iyanu and two feature films expanding its universe were greenlit earlier this year, with the first film, Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, debuting last month.

Lion Forge has a multi-year first-look deal with Nickelodeon for animated series and features, with initial projects including Marley The Family Band in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with Simon & Schuster, and Iron Dragon with Mostapes. The studio has also partnered with Penguin Young Readers to develop series based on select children’s books.

Additionally, Lion Forge is collaborating with George R. R. Martin to adapt the novella A Dozen Tough Jobs into an adult animated feature film, and has entered a partnership with TalesVision to expand their YouTube series Lostlings into a premium long-form series. They are also working with Rebel Girls to develop content around Rebel Girls Sports in the unscripted space.

HarbourView’s investment in Lion Forge highlights the firm’s commitment to executing optimal strategies for its growing limited partner base, following several major deals. Last month, HarbourView secured $500 million in debt financing from KKR through a private securitization backed by its diversified music portfolio. This financing builds on nearly $500 million in debt financing HarbourView obtained in 2024 from KKR-managed insurance vehicles and other investors. Recent deals also include an $85 million investment in Animaj, a French AI-powered media company focused on kids’ family entertainment, and a partnership with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios to finance a series of Hip Hop biopics, starting with a biopic on Queen Latifah.

Established in 2021, HarbourView Equity Partners has developed a diverse portfolio featuring thousands of titles across various genres and artists. With a focus on data analytics and value creation, the firm aims to deliver unique returns in collaboration with the creative ecosystem. HarbourView has acquired over 70 music catalogs, encompassing more than 35,000 songs across master recordings and publishing income streams. The investment was facilitated by Participant Capital, and Lion Forge Entertainment was represented by Activist Artists Management, who advised on the transaction.

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