Cinapse
[Closed for Investment] Cinapse, with a valuation of $12 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company has developed an operating system for behind-the-scene logistics in film and TV production. Cinapse has more than 1,000 signups since its launch in February 2024 and is being used by more than 50 productions, including Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Paramount. The company is led by an experienced team and has grown 48% month-over-month since its launch. Herman Phillips, Roger W Tran, Heather Wagner, and Greg Kubera founded Cinapse in July 2020. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $124,000. The campaign proceeds will be used for employee compensation, operating expenses, and marketing expenses.
Investment Overview
Raised: $129,180
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2020
- Industry
- Media, Entertainment & Publishing
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- Low
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Synopsis
Cinapse is a company operating within the media, entertainment, and publishing industry, specializing in developing a software platform for film and TV production logistics. The company has created an operating system that streamlines behind-the-scenes logistics for production teams. Since its launch in February 2024, Cinapse has garnered over 1,000 signups and is actively utilized by more than 50 productions, including industry giants such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Paramount. The primary customers of Cinapse are production companies and teams involved in film and TV production, seeking efficient solutions for managing complex logistics.
Cinapse addresses the intricate challenges of coordinating multi-unit and multi-episode schedules in film and TV production. This process often involves multiple stakeholders working across various locations and timelines, leading to inefficiencies and communication breakdowns. The company's solution offers a collaborative workspace where production teams can create and manage schedules, breakdowns, and logistics in a single, integrated platform. This approach allows for seamless collaboration, reducing the complexity of coordinating large-scale productions.
In everyday scenarios, production teams often face the daunting task of managing numerous moving parts, from scheduling shoots to coordinating with different departments. This can lead to delays and increased costs if not handled efficiently. Cinapse's platform provides a practical solution by enabling teams to collaborate in real-time, ensuring that all aspects of production are aligned and on track. This capability is particularly valuable for productions involving multiple units or episodes, where synchronization is crucial. By simplifying these processes, Cinapse helps production teams focus on creative tasks rather than logistical challenges, ultimately enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Price
Cinapse is raising funds through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) with a valuation cap of $12 million. This SAFE does not include a discount, meaning investors will convert their investment into equity at the cap valuation or the next priced round's valuation, whichever is lower. The absence of a discount could be seen as a less favorable term compared to SAFEs with discounts, as it offers no immediate price advantage to early investors.
In considering the exit potential for Cinapse, achieving a 10X return would require the company to reach a valuation of approximately $120 million at the time of exit (not accounting for dilution). For this to occur, Cinapse would likely need to significantly expand its market presence and user base, potentially capturing a substantial share of the $35.3 billion U.S. movie and video production market. This would involve not only increasing its number of active productions but also enhancing its platform's capabilities to attract a broader range of production companies.
Market
The U.S. movie and video production market, valued at $35.3 billion, is experiencing a modest growth rate of 0.4% per year. This market is driven by the increasing demand for diverse and high-quality content from streaming services, traditional studios, and independent producers. The continued expansion of digital platforms and the need for efficient production logistics are significant trends influencing this sector.
Cinapse targets a specific niche within this broader market, focusing on the logistical and scheduling needs of film and TV production teams. While its operating system is applicable to a wide range of production companies, its primary appeal lies with those managing complex, multi-unit, or multi-episode projects. This focus allows Cinapse to address specific pain points related to production coordination and communication.
Market trends such as the shift towards digital content consumption and the pressure on production companies to optimize costs and timeframes can positively impact Cinapse. As production scales and the complexity of managing them increases, the demand for robust logistical solutions like Cinapse's platform is likely to grow. However, the slow overall market growth rate could pose challenges, limiting the pace at which Cinapse can expand its user base and market penetration.
Team
The team at Cinapse comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in media, technology, and business management, crucial for steering the company toward its strategic goals. Herman Phillips serves as the Chief Executive Officer, bringing six years of relevant industry experience. His leadership is pivotal in guiding the company's vision and operational strategy. Roger Tran, the Chief Operating Officer, has four years of experience and is instrumental in overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that Cinapse's platform meets the logistical needs of production teams.
Greg Kufera, a part-time team member, contributes his expertise in software development and product management. With nine years of relevant experience, Greg plays a key role in enhancing Cinapse's technological capabilities, focusing on the platform's user experience and functionality. His background aligns with the company's objective to provide a seamless and collaborative scheduling solution for production teams.
While the team exhibits strong leadership and technical skills, the part-time involvement of some members could present challenges in rapidly scaling the company's operations and responding to market demands. Addressing this gap by potentially increasing the full-time commitment of key personnel or expanding the team with additional expertise in areas such as marketing and business development could be vital for achieving Cinapse's future milestones and expanding its market presence.
Differentiation
Cinapse operates in a competitive landscape with several established players in the film and TV production logistics space. One notable competitor is StudioBinder, which offers a comprehensive suite of production management tools, including scheduling, script breakdowns, and call sheets. StudioBinder is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, catering to both small independent filmmakers and larger studios. In comparison, Cinapse focuses more specifically on collaborative scheduling and logistics, potentially offering a more streamlined solution for productions with complex logistical needs.
Another competitor is Celtx, which provides a range of pre-production tools, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, and production planning. Celtx serves a broad audience, from individual content creators to professional production teams. While Celtx offers a wider array of features, Cinapse differentiates itself by concentrating on the seamless integration of multi-unit and multi-episode scheduling, which may offer a more targeted solution for larger production teams.
In terms of pricing, Cinapse's model is likely competitive with these established players, although specific pricing details are not disclosed. The company's emphasis on collaboration and ease of use positions it as a potentially cost-effective alternative for production teams looking to optimize their scheduling processes.
Performance
Cinapse has demonstrated significant early-stage growth, with a reported 48% month-over-month increase in user adoption since its launch in February 2024. This growth is reflected in its more than 1,000 signups and active use by over 50 productions, including major industry players like Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Paramount. These metrics indicate strong initial market acceptance and traction within the film and TV production sector.
Financially, Cinapse operates with a most recent monthly burn rate of $12,000 and cash on hand totaling $28,127. This suggests a limited financial runway, requiring careful cash management and potentially necessitating additional funding to sustain operations and support continued growth. The company’s cash position highlights the importance of securing further investment to maintain its operational momentum.
Risk
The company's financial runway poses a risk. With recent cash on hand of $28,127 and a monthly burn rate of $12,000, Cinapse has limited financial runway, necessitating additional funding to sustain operations. This could lead to further dilution for investors if future funding rounds are needed under less favorable terms.
Furthermore, Cinapse's founders are not fully dedicated, with some part-time, which may impact the company's ability to scale and respond quickly to market demands. Part-time involvement can hinder strategic execution and operational efficiency, potentially affecting the company's growth trajectory.
Additionally, the company operates in a competitive landscape within the film and TV production sector. While Cinapse has gained traction with major productions, maintaining and expanding this customer base will require continuous innovation and effective market penetration strategies.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for Cinapse is supported by several positive factors that position the company for potential growth within the film and TV production industry. A key opportunity lies in the increasing demand for efficient production logistics solutions, driven by the rise of digital content platforms and the complexity of managing large-scale productions. Cinapse's focus on collaborative scheduling uniquely addresses these industry needs, providing a tailored solution that can streamline operations for production teams.
The company has already gained significant traction by securing more than 50 productions, including major players like Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Paramount, as active users. This early adoption by industry leaders not only validates the platform's utility but also enhances its reputation in the market. These partnerships are critical as they provide a foundation for expanding Cinapse's customer base.
Emerging trends such as the increasing reliance on digital tools for production management offer growth drivers for Cinapse. By leveraging these trends, the company can further enhance its platform's capabilities, potentially expanding its reach within the $35.3 billion U.S. movie and video production market. Additionally, any enhancements that improve integration with existing production workflows could increase its appeal to a broader range of production teams.
In terms of financial health, Cinapse's impressive 48% month-over-month user growth since its launch indicates strong market acceptance and a robust potential for future revenue generation. While the current financial runway is limited, this growth trajectory suggests that additional funding rounds could be successful, providing the capital needed to scale operations and continue platform development.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for Cinapse is shaped by several key factors that pose challenges to its growth and sustainability. One significant concern is the slow growth rate of the U.S. movie and video production market, which stands at just 0.4% annually. This limited expansion potential could hinder Cinapse's ability to scale its operations and increase its user base within the industry.
Compared to competitors like StudioBinder and Celtx, Cinapse may face disadvantages in terms of product breadth. While it focuses specifically on collaborative scheduling, competitors offer a wider range of pre-production tools that might attract a broader customer base. This narrower focus could limit Cinapse’s appeal to production teams seeking more comprehensive solutions.
Concerns about the team structure, particularly the part-time involvement of some key members, may impact the company's ability to effectively execute its growth strategy. Full-time commitment from leadership is often crucial for navigating the complexities of scaling a tech platform in a competitive market.
Growth inhibitors include the challenge of achieving market adoption beyond its niche focus, as well as the need for continuous innovation to differentiate its platform. Without expanding its feature set or improving integration with broader production processes, Cinapse risks losing ground to competitors who offer more holistic solutions.
Executive Summary
Cinapse is a company operating in the media, entertainment, and publishing industry, providing a software platform for managing logistics in film and TV production. It primarily serves production companies and teams looking to streamline complex scheduling and coordination tasks. The company's focus on collaborative scheduling solutions addresses specific logistical challenges faced by its core customers.
From a valuation perspective, Cinapse is raising funds through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $12 million, but the absence of a discount may be less favorable for early investors. The company has shown strong user growth with a 48% month-over-month increase, yet its financial health indicates a limited runway with a monthly burn of $12,000 and cash on hand of $28,127. These metrics highlight the need for additional funding to sustain operations and growth.
The U.S. movie and video production market, valued at $35.3 billion, presents opportunities for Cinapse, particularly as production teams seek efficient solutions for logistical challenges. The company's differentiation lies in its focus on collaborative scheduling, setting it apart from competitors like StudioBinder and Celtx. However, the slow market growth rate of 0.4% could limit expansion potential.
The team at Cinapse, led by experienced professionals, aligns well with the company's objectives, although part-time involvement of some members could impact scalability. Addressing this gap is crucial for achieving future milestones. Risks include the high revenue multiple, limited financial runway, and competitive pressures, which the team must navigate effectively.
The bullish outlook for Cinapse is supported by its strong initial user growth and the increasing demand for digital content solutions. Conversely, the bearish outlook highlights challenges such as financial constraints and the need for strategic expansion in a competitive market. These factors create a nuanced investment landscape.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $2,500,000
- VC Backed?
- Yes
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/22/2024 | Wefunder | $12,000,000 | $129,180 | SAFE | Funded | RegCF |