TNL Mediagene announced a new digital media‑commerce initiative that positions its media brands as co‑creators of hardware and creator‑focused products. The first project under the initiative is the crowdfunding of the Nape Pro, a trackball device co‑developed with global keyboard brand Keychron and conceived by Gizmodo Japan editor Koichiro Amito. The campaign will launch on November 20, 2025, through GIZMART, a curated e‑commerce platform operated by Gizmodo Japan, which will offer multiple color variations and configuration options to appeal to creators, engineers, and long‑time keyboard users. The initiative marks a strategic shift for TNL Mediagene, expanding its business model beyond content and advertising into direct product sales and e‑commerce.
The Nape Pro prototype was first introduced at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, where it received positive feedback from the gaming and creative communities. The device combines a high‑precision trackball with a modular design that allows users to swap out keycaps and customize the feel of the input surface. GIZMART will provide tiered pricing, with a base model starting at $149 and premium configurations reaching $249. The crowdfunding goal is set at $1.2 million, and the campaign will run for 30 days.
TNL Mediagene’s decision to launch this initiative comes amid a challenging financial backdrop. In the first half of 2025, the company reported revenue of $21.8 million, up 5.7% from the prior year, but a gross‑profit decline of 14.6% and a net loss of $4.3 million. The company’s micro‑cap valuation and share price have been pressured by these results, making the diversification into hardware sales a critical step toward improving profitability.
The ergonomic trackball market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% over the next five years, driven by increasing demand for precision input devices in gaming, design, and professional workflows. Key competitors include Logitech’s MX Ergo, Razer’s Tartarus, and Microsoft’s Arc Mouse. By leveraging its editorial credibility and community trust, TNL Mediagene aims to differentiate the Nape Pro through design innovation and targeted marketing to niche creator audiences.
Co‑founder and president Motoko Imada said, “Media brands hold deep insight into user behavior and technology trends. By connecting that knowledge with product creation, we aim to help develop tools and devices that genuinely improve people’s workflows and creative output.” The quote underscores the company’s belief that editorial expertise can translate into tangible product value.
The announcement follows a recent partnership with Coupang that sent TNL Mediagene’s stock surging over 100% in pre‑market trading on November 13, 2025. The Coupang deal expands the company’s content‑commerce and retail‑media network in Taiwan, illustrating investor interest in strategic moves that broaden revenue streams. The new media‑commerce initiative builds on that momentum, positioning TNL Mediagene to capture a share of the growing hardware market while reinforcing its core media business.
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