Fox Advertising has made an investment in The Lighthouse, a physical campus for content creators that is part of Whalar Group’s portfolio. Announced on June 16, 2025 at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the deal aims to develop creator-led franchises across Fox’s content offerings. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The investment coincides with the launch of Fox’s new IP development initiative, designed to fuel creator-led franchises and provide advertisers opportunities to collaborate with creators on brand sponsorships and advertising inventory.

“At Fox, we see the future of entertainment and advertising will be driven by bold culture-shaping IP,” said Stephano Kim, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer at Fox Advertising, in a press release. “Our investment in The Lighthouse signals our commitment to building original franchises with visionary Creators who are redefining storytelling and influencing culture in real time.

Creator Campus Infrastructure

The Lighthouse operates from a renovated 1937 post office in Venice, California, with a Brooklyn location scheduled to open in fall 2025. The 24,000-square-foot Venice facility includes production studios, collaborative workspaces, and event areas specifically designed for professional content creators.

“We describe it as the IRL campus for creators and creatives,” Jon Goss, President of The Lighthouse, recently told Net Influencer. “We are made up of three core principles, which is Learn, Make and Belong.”

The Lighthouse employs a curated membership model with a capacity of 650 members in Venice. Applicants are assessed for professional credentials and collaborative potential, with final decisions involving a 22-member creator council.

Revenue streams include tiered creator memberships, brand partnerships, and specialized incubators for product development. Annual membership fees start at approximately $5,000.

Whalar Group developed The Lighthouse after identifying that professional creators lack the institutional support and physical infrastructure that traditional creative industries enjoy.