Synthesia, a UK-based AI video avatar platform, announced on Wednesday that it has successfully raised $180 million in its latest funding round, led by venture capital firm NEA. This round pushes the company’s valuation to $2.1 billion, making it the most valuable generative AI media company in the UK, according to Dealroom data. This marks a significant increase from its $1 billion valuation in June 2023.
Synthesia’s cutting-edge technology enables businesses to create custom AI avatars for instructional and corporate videos. With over 60,000 customers, the company counts major players like Zoom Communications, Heineken, Inter IKEA Group, and more than 60% of the Fortune 100 companies among its clients.
The AI sector, fueled by the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has attracted significant venture capital, with AI startups accounting for over 25% of European venture capital last year. Synthesia’s Series D round saw new investors such as Atlassian Ventures and PSP Growth join existing backers GV and MMC Ventures. This brings Synthesia’s total capital raised to over $330 million.
The company plans to use the funding to support its expansion efforts in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. With over 400 employees across seven countries, including offices in Denmark, Germany, and the U.S., Synthesia is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing AI video avatar market, competing with other startups such as Colossyan, HeyGen, and Veed.