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Connect Ventures and CAAS Launch $150M Film Fund

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ect-ventures-and-caas-launch-150m-film-fund.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 13:48 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter
      Locale: UNITED STATES, CANADA

London/Beijing - January 26th, 2026 - In a move signaling a potential reshaping of the independent film landscape, Connect Ventures, a prominent London-based venture capital firm, and China's CAAS (China Audio-Visual Copyright Association) have jointly announced the launch of Origin Capital, a $150 million film financing fund. This partnership aims to fill a crucial void created by recent shifts in the film industry, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filling the Financing Gap

The initiative arrives at a critical juncture. The pandemic forced many traditional Hollywood studios to significantly curtail their investment in mid-budget, independent film projects. This downsizing created a vacuum, leaving many promising projects struggling to secure the necessary funding to move forward. "There's a real need for this kind of financing right now," explained Julian Farleigh, partner at Connect Ventures and managing director of Origin Capital, underscoring the strategic importance of the fund's timing.

Origin Capital is specifically targeting films in the $20 million to $75 million budget range. This sweet spot represents a significant portion of the independent film market, often showcasing innovative storytelling and emerging talent that larger studios might overlook. While specifics regarding investment criteria remain somewhat limited, Farleigh emphasized that the fund will prioritize projects demonstrating both commercial viability and a compelling creative vision - a balance vital for success in today's competitive market.

The Partners: A Blend of Western and Eastern Expertise

The partnership itself is noteworthy. Connect Ventures has a proven track record of identifying and investing in disruptive technologies and platforms, including early investments in global phenomenon TikTok and innovative food-tech company Oddle. Their insight into market trends and potential for growth makes them a valuable partner in this venture. CAAS, on the other hand, represents a significant connection to the vast Chinese market. As the organization responsible for administering and collecting royalties for Chinese copyright holders, CAAS brings considerable resources and a deep understanding of the region's film industry and audience preferences.

CAAS's substantial investment in Origin Capital highlights a broader trend: the increasing involvement of Chinese entities in Hollywood's financial ecosystem. This participation extends beyond simply providing capital; it reflects a desire to influence and shape the future of film production and distribution.

Leadership and Future Strategy

Leading the charge at Origin Capital are Julian Farleigh and Sarah-Jane Kelly. Farleigh's expertise in venture capital complements Kelly's extensive experience in the film industry, most recently as an executive at Gaumont UK. Kelly will serve as the fund's Head of Film, playing a critical role in identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities. The duo intends to actively solicit investment from both institutional and private investors to further expand the fund's capital base, suggesting ambitious growth plans for the future.

Implications for the Independent Film Sector

The launch of Origin Capital is poised to have a considerable impact on the independent film sector. It provides a much-needed source of funding for filmmakers seeking to tell unique and compelling stories outside the confines of mainstream studio productions. The fund's flexibility and willingness to back projects with both commercial potential and creative merit could unlock a wave of fresh, innovative films. Moreover, the involvement of CAAS signals a potential shift in the dynamics of international film collaboration and distribution, hinting at a greater integration of Chinese perspectives and talent within Hollywood's creative processes. The coming years will be crucial in observing how Origin Capital shapes the future of film financing and the stories that reach audiences worldwide.