Upscale AI Unveils Groundbreaking Platform for Streaming Advertising
With over 99% of U.S. households subscribing to at least one streaming service, and Americans spending 40% more time watching streaming content than on social media, the landscape for performance advertising is shifting dramatically. The next frontier? Streaming TV.
An Exceptional Launch: Upscale AI
Today marks a significant milestone as Upscale AI launches, setting the stage for ecommerce brands to thrive in the streaming arena. Armed with $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding, Upscale introduces Upscale Studio—a revolutionary, end-to-end AI-native platform that facilitates the creation, execution, and optimization of performance TV ads across leading streaming channels.
Funding and Support
The recent seed funding round was spearheaded by NVP Capital, with additional backing from M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund, and Breakpoint Capital. This robust financial support underscores the high expectations for Upscale AI’s potential to transform the streaming advertisement landscape.
A Team of Industry Titans
Founded by a powerhouse team with experience from Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN, Upscale AI blends generative AI for high-quality video creation with machine learning-driven programmatic buying. This unique combination transforms traditional TV advertising into a fully automated, scalable, and measurable performance channel.
Herman Yang, co-founder and CEO of Upscale AI, aptly captures the mission:
“With streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and even Walmart [Vizio] going all-in on advertising, we believe it’s time for a new generation of AI-native tools that help brands meet this moment. Upscale Studio is our answer: a full-stack creative and media engine for streaming video designed for performance marketers.”
Introducing Upscale Studio
Creative + Media + Optimization—Unified
Upscale Studio offers ecommerce brands a comprehensive toolkit to enhance their advertising strategies:
- Auto-generate streaming-ready video ads using assets from websites and social media.
- Launch campaigns through real-time programmatic bidding across leading CTV platforms.
- Track and optimize performance with integrated machine learning-powered analytics and targeting tools.
Early access to Upscale Studio is being granted to select ecommerce brands. Early adopters like Branch Furniture and Lalo are harnessing this platform to streamline production cycles, simplify campaign execution, and achieve measurable returns on their streaming investments.
Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President & CMO of Lalo, shares his enthusiasm:
“Upscale has transformed how we approach TV advertising. Their data-driven platform helped us quickly identify the right channels and times to reach our core audience. The results speak for themselves: higher engagement, better ROI, and more efficient ad spend. They’ve been a key partner in scaling our brand.”
Aligning with Future Trends
The launch of Upscale AI coincides with Microsoft’s broader strategy to empower businesses with AI-native vertical solutions. Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12, emphasizes this alignment:
“Microsoft has been at the forefront of investing in foundational AI—and we’re equally excited to support the next generation of AI applications built on top of that. Upscale AI’s platform fits with Microsoft’s vision of enabling companies of all sizes to leverage AI technology for real-world, business-generating applications.”
A New Era for Streaming and Video Advertising
Upscale AI’s entrance into the market aligns superbly with a vibrant wave of investment and innovation in the streaming ad ecosystem:
- Netflix has launched its Ad Suite for creative development.
- Amazon Prime Video is actively developing its own generative AI tools for advertisers.
- Roku introduced interactive ads.
- Walmart’s acquisition of Vizio emphasizes the competitive landscape.
Dan Borok, Managing Partner at NVP Capital, reflects on the changing dynamics:
“Streaming is rapidly becoming the next performance marketing frontier. Upscale AI is positioned to help brands capitalize on this shift with a platform that blends AI-driven creative, precise media execution, and measurable results.”
About Upscale AI
Upscale AI empowers ecommerce brands to harness the full potential of streaming TV and video for performance advertising. Its flagship product, Upscale Studio, is the first AI-native platform designed to seamlessly manage creative generation, programmatic media buying, and real-time optimization for streaming TV ads. With a backing of top-tier venture capitalists and a leadership team from renowned tech organizations, Upscale AI is poised to redefine the future of advertising.
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