As the animation industry adapts to rapid change—from shifting audience habits to reduced commissioning and emerging technologies—studios are increasingly exploring new business models and sources of investment.

Film London’s recent Get Investment Ready webinar brought together leading voices in animation finance and growth strategy to offer practical guidance on preparing for investment. Moderated by Film London Animation Consultant Julian Scott, the panel featured Vanessa Chapman (co-founder of The Growth Partners and Founder, VJC Media), Neil Court (Industry Entrepreneur and Private Equity Operating Partner), Denitsa Yordanova (Head of the UK Global Screen Funds, BFI), and Philippe Alessandri (CEO, Watch Next Media).

Together, the speakers explored what it truly means to be "investment ready": from building strong financial foundations to crafting a compelling business narrative and understanding the type of funding best suited to your goals.

“You need to be able to give a really clear and concise account of who you are,” said Vanessa Chapman, who, through The Growth Partners, works with companies to prepare them for funding opportunities. She stressed the importance of understanding your unique offering and being able to communicate it effectively under pressure.

Case studies brought the conversation to life. Philippe Alessandri shared his experience of selling a majority stake in Watch Next Media to SuperProd Group, showing how complementary strengths and shared values can unlock growth. Neil Court spoke about the realities of private equity, stressing the need for clear vision, scalability and readiness for rigorous due diligence.

From a public funding perspective, Denitsa Yordanova outlined the BFI’s support for internationally ambitious companies through the UK Global Screen Fund, reinforcing that “a coherent international growth strategy” is essential for successful applicants.

The main takeways from the webinar were: potential investors won’t just look under the bonnet at the finances – they also need the narrative of who you are as a company, clarity on why you want the investment and a coherent growth strategy plan.

The webinar concluded with a unified message: for animation studios to thrive and attract the right investment, they must know their story, understand their numbers, and recognise their value.

As Julian Scott put it: “Studios must be ready to present not just their content, but their company, as a credible and exciting investment opportunity.”

To learn more about how Film London supports animation businesses, visit here.