An AI video firm’s Canva-sized ambitions

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In focus

• How a company’s video AI agents help brands create “influencer-fronted” product reels in just minutes
• Why a Swiss tech group with deeptech interests is moving its HQ to Singapore
• How buying a coffee by looking at a QR code just became possible

Hello reader,

I don’t know when it started, but my social media feeds are now flooded with clips of people selling or promoting products or what’s often called “user-generated content.”

These aren’t my friends or people I know, yet they take up most of the real estate on my feeds. I blame the algorithm.

The worst part? They actually get my attention. In fact, this is how I discover most new brands and products these days.

Whether they lead to a purchase is another story, but it can’t be denied that personal experiences or personal reviews can be far more powerful than run-of-the-mill product advertisements.

Topview, the AI video company featured in today’s top story, is betting it can tap into this advantage. Founded by ex-Alibaba executives Jensen Wu and Albert Chen, its biggest selling point is that it simplifies content creation, trimming down what can be a tedious and expensive process for brands to mere dollars and minutes.

This eliminates the need for lengthy back-and-forths with content creators, as well as the costs involved in sending them products or hiring them – an AI agent can do it all. It’s already seeing significant traction, and with annual recurring revenue tracking at under US$3 million, it’s shooting for the stars: Wu says the eventual goal is to become as big as Canva.

Our other featured story takes a look at Constructor Group, a Switzerland-based firm whose interests span education, software development, and deeptech.

Started by serial entrepreneur Serg Bell, who also founded cybersecurity unicorn Acronis, Constructor Group is in the process of relocating to Singapore, drawn by the city-state’s openness, quality of talent, and “pragmatic” approach to deeptech research.

Does Singapore beat Switzerland as the “top place” for an international headquarters? Bell certainly thinks so.

Melissa Goh, senior editor

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1️⃣ Latest AI app swaps influencers for avatars – and brands want in

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