Exploring the Impact of DNEG’s $200 Million Funding on the VFX Industry

DNEG Group Secures $200 Million Strategic Investment from United Al Saqer Group

London-based DNEG Group, a subsidiary of the Indian visual effects and animation company Prime Focus, has announced a $200 million strategic investment from United Al Saqer Group (UASG) on July 2, valuing the group at $2 billion.

“The investment from UASG will propel DNEG Group’s strategy of innovation and diversification, transforming it from a pure visual effects services provider to a sector-agnostic content production and AI-powered technology partner,” the company stated.

The investment will enable DNEG Group to fully activate its technology division, Brahma, which is developing a comprehensive AI-powered, photo-real CGI creator. Additionally, Prime Focus Studios, its IP and content creation arm, will expand its investment in and production of high-quality content, following the success of its recent co-production, The Garfield Movie.

DNEG Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra shared his enthusiasm:

“My career has been built on investing in and leading visual creativity with technology. Our partnership with UASG, the launch of Brahma, and the success of our content creation platform are all fueled by our technology. We are redefining our business model as a leader in top-end solutions globally, raising the bar in storytelling through the latest technology and creative capabilities.”

Malhotra added:

“This investment will accelerate our plans to further drive DNEG Group’s existing activities and expand our services and market presence. With the opening of a new studio in Abu Dhabi, we aim to bring content creation and technological capabilities to the region, positioning us as a leader and leveraging our global capabilities like no other.”

DNEG Group plans to open a new office and visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, developing a world-class ecosystem for content production, storage, and distribution in the Middle East.

Namit Malhotra will continue his role as Chairman and CEO. He will be joined on the Board of Directors by Nabil Kobeissi and Edouard Zard from UASG, and Prabhu Narasimhan from NaMa Capital, a leading investor in DNEG Group, who will also become Executive Chairman of Brahma. Narasimhan will take a leave of absence from NaMa Capital to oversee Brahma’s launch and expansion.

DNEG Group is renowned for its work on numerous high-profile movies and animations, including:

• Dune
• Oppenheimer
• Interstellar
• Tenet
• Blade Runner 2049
• Harry Potter series
• James Bond series
• Fast and Furious series
• Mission: Impossible series
• Marvel Cinematic Universe

Prime Focus Studios, which will increase its content and IP investment across live-action, animation, and gaming, is currently co-producing films such as Animal Friends, Indian epic Ramayana, and The Angry Birds Movie 3.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, commented on the partnership:

“The strategic investment by United Al Saqer Group in DNEG Group highlights Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global powerhouse for creativity, innovation, technology, and investment. This partnership accelerates technological advancements in the media and entertainment sectors and underscores our commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for content creation. By establishing a new visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, we are creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing our ecosystem that supports high-tech industries and creative excellence.”