Participated · Series B · Aug 2021

Deepbrain builds “AI humans” — human-like virtual avatars that respond to natural language — by combining video and speech synthesis with chatbot technology. The company captures studio video of human models, trains ML systems on the footage and scripts, and generates avatars with synchronized, true-to-life lip, mouth and head movements in the model’s voice. It sells video, speech and chatbot solutions to 22 enterprise customers including MBN, Metro News, LG HelloVision, KB Kookmin Bank and education provider Kyowon. Deepbrain positions its technology as a way to reduce costly video production and is developing use cases such as AI tutors for education and “AI bankers” for financial services to lessen employee workloads. The company reported $2.5M ARR in 2020 and expects $5M this year; it has about 100 employees. The recent $44M Series B will be used to expand its customer base and operations globally, with particular emphasis on the U.S. Some experts have warned the technology could enable deepfakes, and the company has not detailed what abuse-prevention protections it uses. MoneyBrain is a third-year Seoul-based AI startup led by CEO Jang Se Young that builds cutting-edge video and voice synthesis technology. The company says its technology is being implemented across broadcasting, education, entertainment, commerce and mobile industries and has signed numerous commercial contracts. MoneyBrain launched an AI English tutor app, SpeakNow, which ranked first in Google Play Store's education category two months after launch. The company plans to roll out the SpeakNow application globally to Japan, Taiwan and China this year and aims to leverage partner networks to enter the Chinese market. Prior investments have supported R&D to create world-class AI video synthesis capabilities said to be competitive with firms in the U.S. and China. Recent funding activity includes additional capital from IDG Capital Korea Partners to further strengthen the company's AI research and market expansion.