Hololive's Evolution: From Debut to Dominance

In the world of virtual YouTubers, few names are as prominent as Hololive. Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Motoaki 'Yagoo' Tanigo, the company has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With the debut of its first generation of VTubers in May-June 2018, Hololive began to make waves in the online community. Since then, the agency has continued to expand and evolve, introducing new generations of talents and innovations that have shaped the virtual YouTuber landscape.

Early Days: Experimentation and Inspiration

Cover Corporation's initial focus was on augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) software. With funding from incubator firms Tokyo VR Startups and Recruit, the company showcased its tech demo for real-time avatar motion capture and interactive, two-way live streaming in March 2017. This technology would later become a cornerstone of Hololive's operations.

The idea for a 'virtual idol' agency was inspired by other virtual characters, such as Hatsune Miku. Kizuna AI, who began the virtual YouTuber trend in 2016, was another likely influence on Tanigo's vision. The debut of Tokino Sora in September 2017 marked a significant milestone for Cover Corporation, as she became the first VTuber to use the company's avatar capture software.

Growth and Expansion

Fast forward to 2019, when Hololive China debuted from September to January, followed by Hololive Fantasy's debut in July-August. The agency also introduced its second generation of talents in December and a third generation would later debut in May 2020. Meanwhile, the first generation of Holostars talents debuted in June, with more members joining in September and October.

In addition to these talent debuts, Cover Corporation made significant strides in establishing its presence in the Chinese market. On May 19, the company formed an in-house music label, INoNaKa (INNK) Music, featuring AZKi and former independent VTuber Hoshimachi Suisei. The agency also opened permanent talent auditions in China and Japan and began collaborating with Chinese-speaking volunteers to translate Hololive videos.

Conclusion: The Future of Virtual YouTubers

As we look back on the journey of Hololive, it is clear that the agency has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With its innovative technology, diverse range of talents, and strategic expansion into new markets, Hololive is poised to continue dominating the virtual YouTuber landscape. As we move forward into 2022, fans eagerly await what Mori Calliope Drama and other Hololive talents have in store for us.

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