Cheehoo Secures $10M to Revolutionize Animation with AI
Animation production is a complex and time-consuming process. Cheehoo, a startup founded by Hollywood executives and AI researchers, aims to streamline this process with its AI-powered animation platform. The company recently announced a $10 million funding round led by Greycroft, with participation from Point72 Ventures, Basis Set, Headline Asia, Powerhouse Capital, Playground Productions, and Rideback.
Simplifying Animation Workflows
Cheehoo's platform offers tools to prototype and iterate on animations quickly. These tools assist with tasks like data annotation, file conversions, and format consistency, enabling smoother transitions between animation stages. The platform integrates with existing tools like Maya and Unreal, allowing users to see changes in real-time. AI features can be toggled on or off, giving creators greater control over their work.
Cheehoo utilizes in-house AI models for character and asset creation. It also supports third-party models from providers like OpenAI and Runway for tasks such as post-production, motion stylization, and scene composition.
Funding and Future Plans
The $10 million investment will fuel Cheehoo's mission to make animation production more accessible and efficient. While the company is currently working with studios and IP holders, it plans to expand its offerings to consumers in the future.
Cheehoo has an opportunity to reduce the cost of animation production overall. This means sophisticated creators can easily create animated films without an expensive studio setup. - Brentt Baltimore, Principal at Greycroft
Cheehoo's innovative approach positions it to compete with other emerging players in the AI animation space, such as Accel-backed Cartwheel and Naver-backed Cinamon. These companies are also developing tools to simplify various aspects of animation production.
Founded by a team with deep experience in Hollywood and technology, Cheehoo is poised to transform the animation landscape. The company's platform promises to empower creators with powerful AI tools, enabling them to bring their visions to life more efficiently and affordably.