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Manta (manta.net), a leading digital comics platform, announced today that Travis Kim will be joining the company as its new Chief Executive Officer(CEO), effective immediately. In this position, Kim will spearhead the synergies of Manta’s core strengths, including the platform’s technological prowess and its rich collection of storytelling intellectual property (IP).

The newly-created CEO position marks a strategic move, cementing Manta's autonomy within its parent company, RIDI Corporation, solidifying its ability to chart an independent course toward scalability. In his new role, Kim will divide his time between the U.S. and South Korea. He will report directly to Kisik Bae, the founder of RIDI Corporation.

With an extensive background that encompasses operations, product management, and global business scaling, Travis Kim is poised to orchestrate Manta's talent and unlock its full business potential, propelling it further as an industry leader. Prior to joining Manta, Kim served as the Chief Product Officer at CLASS101, a prominent Korean startup, and made significant contributions to global giants including Amazon and LG Electronics. Kim holds an M.B.A from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Commented Kisik Bae, Founder of RIDI Corporation, “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. We have full confidence that he is the ideal leader to align all facets of Manta - from product development to operations, marketing, content strategy, and beyond - showcasing the powerhouse Manta is destined to become in the future.”

Since its debut, Manta has spearheaded industry innovation by pioneering the subscription-based model, marking a significant milestone in the digital comics industry. Its ever-growing collection of stories, produced both in-house by Manta Studios and in collaboration with external partners, has catapulted the platform to more than 12 million downloads within three years of launch.

“I am convinced that we have all witnessed Manta’s potential to be a significant force in the digital content industry. Building on this foundation, it is my privilege to steer this force and elevate it to global prominence,” stated Travis Kim, CEO of Manta. “At Manta, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional stories to our dedicated fans, in more immersive and thoughtful ways.”

In an era marked by the surge in mobile usage and evolving content consumption trends, digital comics have emerged as one of the fastest-growing storytelling mediums worldwide, proving instrumental in IP expansion. According to Market Research Future, this market is estimated to grow from $3.9 billion (US) in 2022 to $67.6 billion by 2032. Manta, in collaboration with its parent company, RIDI Corporation, is steadfastly establishing itself as a bastion of powerful storytelling through the creation and acquisition of an extensive portfolio of IPs, alongside various IP adaptation endeavors.