How AI virtual humans are disrupting KOLs

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A feed full of artistic shots plus tens of thousands of followers, and what do you get? An influencer. Miquela Sousa is one fine example: She’s a 19-year-old social media star with 2.7 million Instagram followers and is making big bucks from brand sponsorships. Here’s the catch: She’s not a real human.

Today we look at:

• The rise of virtual humans that have caught the attention of both companies and investors
• She1K to drop its lawsuit against Singapore startup Lumiere32
• Other newsy highlights, such as the Indian startups taking on Google Play and LineTV’s expansion into more countries

Pixels and code over flesh and blood?

Meet the latest fad that has taken the marketing world by storm: virtual influencer or Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) marketing. But it’s not only the marketers who have bought into this hype. Companies such as sportswear brand Puma are also rolling out their own computer-generated influencers, and funding has already started pouring into this space.

• 24/7 influencers: It’s not just Puma. Other companies such as Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia have also launched their own virtual humans. In China, the state news outlet Xinhua uses several AI news anchors that are capable of manning the news desk 24 hours a day.
• Companies love them: With AI now able to analyze the appearances, personalities, and content of the region’s most engaging influencers, creating endless iterations of a lovable and charismatic virtual human has become a piece of cake. Plus, virtual influencers never get tired and are always available to take on any new project.
• VCs are somewhat ready: New York-based Betaworks Ventures is planning to pour a US$200,000 investment into this space. In New Zealand, Soul Machines recently raised US$40 million from high-profile investors to create digital avatars for customer service roles.

Dive deeper: Will virtual humans replace “real” influencers, models, and more?

Fresh out of a lawsuit

Remember the news we broke last week about angel investing network She1K suing Singapore startup Lumiere32? Here’s an update: She1K is dropping the lawsuit, sources say.

• Shake hands: Both parties are reported to be heading toward a settlement, with She1K discontinuing the legal proceedings. Each party will bear its own legal costs as part of the proposed settlement.
• Third party: C-level executives from Enterprise Singapore, a statutory board under the country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as a partner of She1K, are also said to be involved in mediating the dispute.

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