WEBTOON Entertainment (WBTN) Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference 2026 summary

Business overview and growth strategy

• Operates a global storytelling platform with 27 million creators and 155 million monthly active users, focusing on both mature and nascent markets.

• Paid content accounts for 79% of revenue, with Gen Z and young millennials as the primary audience; advertising and crossover IP are emerging growth drivers.

• Double-digit revenue growth reaffirmed for year-end 2026, driven by strong performance in Korea, recovery in Japan, and expansion in Rest of World.

• Korea remains a mature, high-penetration market, while Japan and Rest of World offer significant room for user and revenue growth.

• Strategic focus on leveraging local content, partnerships, and technology to drive engagement and monetization across regions.

Partnerships, IP, and content adaptation

• Disney partnership includes adapted and original stories, with a new co-branded platform launching in 2026.

• $100 million adaptation fund (40% contributed) aims to capitalize on data-driven IP selection for film, animation, and gaming adaptations.

• Crossover IP (9% of revenue) leverages hit stories for off-platform success, with minimal capital risk and increased upside through new investments.

• Recent acquisition of a 60% stake in RI Games Holdings to expand into gaming, structured to de-risk investment and leverage proven IP.

• Partnerships with brands like McDonald's and Lawson in Japan and Duolingo globally support user growth and content reach.

Technology, AI, and product innovation

• Aggressively deploying AI for content personalization, creator tools, and new engagement formats like interactive chat (byUs).

• Auto translation enables simultaneous multi-language launches, expanding global reach for creators and stories.

• AI-driven initiatives support both user discovery and creator monetization, while maintaining a focus on human creativity.

• Product best practices from Korea are being applied to other markets to drive retention and growth.

• Ongoing investment in infrastructure and leadership to support scalable growth, especially in Japan.