Korean WebComics Platform Manta Names First CEO – Deadline

EXCLUSIVE: Korean webcomic platform Manta has named its first CEO.

The Seoul, Korea-based subscription service will be led by Travis Kim, effective immediately.

This comes as Manta looks to build a repository of IP and scale for the future. The company said the move will “cement” its autonomy from its parent, RIDI Corporation, and positions it to create more scale independently.

RIDI founder Kisik Bae founded the platform in late 2020, offering webtoons for a price – like the webtoons services that have exploded around the world in recent years.

New CEO Kim will spend his time between Korea and the U.S. He has an extensive background in operations, management, product management and scaling businesses. His most recent role was Chief Product Officer for CLASS101, a Korean start-up, and has worked closely with global businesses such as Amazon and LG Electronics.

“Travis has the proven leadership acumen, honed through a myriad of management roles, enabling him to take the helm at Manta and expedite the company’s growth,” said Bae, who predicted the platform would become a “powerhouse… in the future.”

“I am convinced that we have all witnessed Manta’s potential to be a significant force in the digital industry,” added Kim.

Manta operates in 175 countries and offers comics for a set monthly price, while most of its competitors have traditionally opted for pay-per-title models. The company has also said it expects IP owned by RIDI and Manta through the platform will be adapted for films and TV.