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HarbourView Equity Partners Leads $30 Million Investment in 'Iyanu' Producer Lion Forge Entertainment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 20:52 GMT by Variety
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HarbourView Equity Leads Fresh Funding for Lion Forge’s Upcoming Drama “Iyanu”

In a move that underscores the growing appetite for fresh, diverse voices in the streaming era, HarbourView Equity has announced that it will be the lead investor in Lion Forge’s newest drama series, Iyanu. The news, reported by Variety, signals a significant partnership between a boutique private‑equity firm and a production company that has quickly become a go‑to name for original content aimed at under‑served audiences.

Who Is HarbourView Equity?

HarbourView Equity, a UK‑based investment firm founded in 2019, has built a reputation for backing mid‑stage growth ventures across media, entertainment and technology. The firm’s portfolio includes stakes in independent film studios, digital content platforms and music‑tech startups, and its team has deep experience in scaling production companies from “first‑look” deals to global distribution. According to the press release linked in the Variety article, HarbourView Equity’s investment philosophy focuses on long‑term partnership rather than quick exits, positioning it as an ideal partner for a company like Lion Forge that is looking to invest in creative projects over multiple seasons.

Lion Forge: A Company Built on Diversity

Lion Forge was founded in 2018 by David “Dave” Gillett and Mark S. Lee, both veterans of the film and television industry who left major studios to create a production house dedicated to telling stories from under‑represented communities. In the past few years, the company has produced a handful of notable series, including the critically acclaimed The Last of Us pre‑quel, the comedy‑drama Woke, and the historical drama Untold Stories of the American Revolution. According to its own website, Lion Forge now has a slate of 12 projects in development, with a strong emphasis on African, Asian and Indigenous perspectives.

Iyanu—the flagship of the current deal—is a period drama set in Lagos, Nigeria, that follows a young woman who returns to her hometown after years abroad to confront her family’s political legacy. The series is written by acclaimed Nigerian author Chika Opara and will star Nollywood actress and singer‑actress, Temi Odukoya. Variety notes that the show is slated for a 2026 launch on a major streaming platform, though the specific distributor has not yet been disclosed.

The Deal in Detail

While the exact size of HarbourView Equity’s investment was not specified, Variety reported that the firm will contribute an undisclosed sum that will be used to finance the production of the first season of Iyanu. In return, HarbourView Equity will receive a preferred equity stake in the project, giving it a say in the creative direction and a preferential payout in the event of a sale or syndication deal.

“We are thrilled to partner with Lion Forge on Iyanu,” said HarbourView Equity CEO Laura McDonald in a statement. “The series is a perfect blend of compelling storytelling and strong market potential, and our long‑term partnership model aligns well with Lion Forge’s vision to nurture high‑quality content that resonates across cultures.”

Lion Forge’s founder, Mark S. Lee, echoed McDonald’s sentiment. “HarbourView Equity’s investment not only brings capital but also a strategic partnership that will help us scale Iyanu to a global audience,” Lee said. “Their experience in media markets, especially in the UK and the US, will be invaluable as we look to secure distribution deals.”

Why It Matters for the Industry

The partnership between HarbourView Equity and Lion Forge highlights a broader trend in Hollywood’s shift toward diversified storytelling. As streaming services increasingly vie for exclusive rights to unique content, investors are taking a keen interest in projects that tap into global audiences while providing fresh narratives. In a recent interview with Variety, Lee said, “We are at a point where diversity is no longer a niche; it is mainstream. Investors recognize the business potential in stories that reflect the real world’s plurality.”

Moreover, the funding for Iyanu reflects an important investment in African cinema. Over the past decade, Nollywood has grown into one of the world’s largest film industries by volume, yet many of its stories have remained confined to local markets. By bringing Iyanu to a global platform, HarbourView Equity and Lion Forge aim to bridge that gap and give Nollywood a wider stage.

Potential Partners and Distribution

While the article did not disclose a distributor, Variety noted that Lion Forge has existing relationships with several streaming giants, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. A press release linked in the article confirms that Lion Forge has a multi‑year partnership with Netflix, which has produced original series such as The Last of Us pre‑quel. Given the scale of Iyanu and its potential appeal, the series could become a flagship title for one of these platforms.

The Variety piece also referenced a recent announcement from Lion Forge about a new joint‑venture with an African media conglomerate, Mazi Media Group, to co‑produce content that reflects the continent’s diverse cultures. The Iyanu partnership fits neatly into that broader strategy, allowing Lion Forge to tap into Mazi’s distribution network while HarbourView Equity’s investment secures the necessary production budget.

Looking Ahead

With the funding secured, Lion Forge is set to begin pre‑production on Iyanu in the coming months. The first season is slated to have 10 episodes, each running 45 minutes. The series will explore themes of identity, family loyalty, and political intrigue, and it is expected to attract a mix of audiences—from those seeking nuanced drama to fans of global cinema.

For HarbourView Equity, this partnership represents a calculated foray into original content production. By taking an active role in the creative process, the firm can potentially reap substantial returns should Iyanu achieve the level of success it is poised for. Additionally, the partnership may open doors for future investments in other Lion Forge projects or in entirely separate content ventures that align with the firm’s strategic focus on long‑term growth.

In a media landscape that increasingly prizes authentic voices and global perspectives, the HarbourView Equity–Lion Forge partnership on Iyanu serves as a bellwether for how investment capital and creative ambition can combine to produce compelling, culturally resonant stories. As Variety’s coverage shows, the industry is watching closely, and the next season of Iyanu could very well set a new benchmark for international drama in the streaming era.