Southbox

Southbox Entertainment provides equity and mezzanine financing for feature films and scripted television series. The company applies a modern financial and technological approach to media production, supporting projects from development through to completion. This includes leveraging advanced production techniques, such as extended reality (XR) stages, to enhance efficiency and creative control in storytelling.

Founded in 2017 by Jon Gosier, Southbox Entertainment emerged from his extensive background in data science and venture capital. Gosier’s insight stemmed from a desire to redefine traditional film financing models, particularly after exiting a successful tech startup. His vision was to bring a more analytical and accessible investment framework to the media industry.

The company primarily serves independent filmmakers and production companies seeking alternative financing solutions for their projects. Southbox Entertainment’s overarching mission is to democratize access to capital in the entertainment sector, fostering innovative content creation and reshaping the landscape of media finance for a new generation of storytellers.

Southbox is primarily known as an independent motion picture and television production company specializing in financing, co-financing, and development of film and TV projects, with a growing presence in venture capital investing. Founded in 2017 by Jon Gosier, Southbox began in Philadelphia and now operates offices in Los Angeles and Atlanta. The firm’s mission is to deliver superior returns by investing in successful companies at the forefront of technology, finance, and media, with a particular emphasis on entertainment and media startups that leverage innovative content and technology. Southbox has recently expanded its investment focus beyond film and TV to include sectors such as real estate, biotech, life sciences, and lifestyle brands, aiming to back companies typically in the $500,000 to $1 million range[1][2][3][4].

The origin story of Southbox is rooted in Jon Gosier’s transition from a decade-long career in tech and venture capital to founding a media-focused investment and production company. The name “Southbox” reflects its South Philadelphia origins, where the first office was a modest, nondescript space. Over time, Southbox has evolved from a film and TV production company into a venture capital firm with a broader investment mandate, including a recent $40 million fund relaunch in Atlanta and a new $5 million raise to support a more defined investment strategy. The firm has brought on RJ Joshi as managing partner to help solidify Atlanta as a venture and innovation hub, with a focus on leveling the playing field for Southern startups and fostering innovation in opportunity zones[1][4].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Southbox combines traditional media production expertise with venture capital investing, focusing on early-stage companies in media, tech, and emerging sectors.
• Network Strength: The firm leverages its dual presence in major media hubs (Los Angeles and Atlanta) and its founder’s extensive background in tech and venture capital.
• Track Record: Over 50 deals executed by the management team, with notable exits and a data-driven, operator-first investment approach.
• Operating Support: Southbox provides hands-on support to portfolio companies, enhancing growth and operational efficiency.
• Innovative Production Techniques: In film production, Southbox uses cutting-edge technologies such as XR stages and Unreal Engine to create virtual environments, reducing costs and expanding creative possibilities[3][5].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Southbox rides the convergence of media, technology, and venture capital, capitalizing on trends such as digital content innovation, immersive production technologies, and the rise of Atlanta as a tech and entertainment hub. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for innovative storytelling methods and diversified investment opportunities in emerging sectors. By fostering startups in underrepresented regions and sectors, Southbox influences the broader ecosystem by promoting inclusivity and regional innovation, particularly in the Southern U.S.[4][5].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Southbox is poised to deepen its impact by expanding its investment portfolio beyond media into biotech, life sciences, and lifestyle brands while continuing to innovate in film and TV production. The firm’s focus on opportunity zones and regional development suggests a growing role in shaping Atlanta’s venture capital landscape. Trends such as immersive media, AI-driven content creation, and cross-sector innovation will likely shape Southbox’s journey, potentially increasing its influence as both a media producer and a venture investor. This dual focus ties back to its founding vision of blending technology, media, and venture capital to drive superior returns and innovation[2][4][5].