AI Platform Twinnin Kicks Off First Funding Round with a Goal of $3M

EXCLUSIVE: The AI platform Twinnin, which aims to “bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and humans,” is seeking to raise a minimum of $3 million in its inaugural seed funding round, positioning itself with a post-money valuation of $25 million.

Backed by Google and Nvidia, Twinnin focuses on “protecting and monetizing human identity” in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. The platform allows actors to create digital clones of their likenesses, which can then be sold to studios or brands for inclusion in films, television shows, or advertisements. Actors can join for an annual fee of $14.99 to display their digital likeness on the app, while studios or brands have subscription options that range up to $1,200 per month.

As it launches its funding round, Twinnin reports that it has garnered $3 million in inbound commitments and has onboarded 2,000 registered users. The company has recently engaged in discussions with stakeholders, including those skeptical of AI technology.

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The pledged $3 million comes amid interest from an undisclosed “prospective lead investor” as well as support from “angels including notable JP Morgan C Suite” figures, according to Twinnin. The platform indicated that it is allowing the broader market to react before selecting a lead investor. While the AI likeness industry is still evolving, Twinnin draws comparisons to ElevenLabs, a synthetic-voice infrastructure firm that secured a $12 million post-money valuation in 2022. “ElevenLabs proved the trajectory,” said Twinnin founder Katrien Grobler. “What it didn’t prove is that voice was the only category. Face is bigger. And it is open.”

Funding will be utilized to enhance technology and expand the team. Twinnin is preparing for a Series A funding round anticipated within 12 to 14 months, contingent on achieving revenue and key performance indicators.

Since its launch, Twinnin reports a weekly doubling of its subscriber base. However, the app’s emergence has sparked controversy; concerns were raised when a talent agency was criticized for marketing Twinnin to parents of minors. The UK’s Agents of Young Performers Association stated that the platform “raises serious ethical questions around the consent of a minor.”

Owned by tech firm AI Kat, Twinnin has hosted events and engaged with figures from the actors’ union Equity and casting platform Spotlight. An Equity spokeswoman noted that while the union is open to discussions with ethical AI initiatives that emphasize consent, transparency, and fair compensation, it does not advocate for any specific platform.

Following the announcement of today’s funding efforts, Grobler expressed her vision that by 2030, “not all humans in AI content are synthetic, which is where things are heading today, but that 50% are real original humans, licensed digital twins from Twinnin.”