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Understanding “Funny Shares” to Transfer Wealth More Tax Efficiently

July 31, 2018

By Toby Hermitage, Tax Partner at Carter Backer Winter LLP One of the challenges we face today is passing on accumulated value in investment and property companies to the next generation tax efficiently. In many cases, the shares in these companies are held by older members of the family who fear that HMRC will take […]

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Synthesia Raises $180 Million, Reaching $2.1 Billion Valuation Amid AI Video Boom Synthesia, the London-based AI video platform, has raised $180 million in a Series D funding round, pushing its valuation to $2.1 billion. Amid growing concerns over the misuse of deepfake content, Synthesia is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI video applications, specifically for enterprise use. With its cutting-edge avatar technology, the platform enables organizations to transform text into avatar-driven videos, addressing the needs of approximately 60,000 businesses and 1 million users worldwide for purposes such as sales, marketing, training, and internal communications. A Funding Surge Backed by Major Players The funding round was led by NEA, with participation from new investors, including World Innovation Lab (WiL), Atlassian Ventures, and PSP Growth. Existing supporters like GV and MMC Ventures also contributed to this milestone round. Synthesia’s total funding now stands at $330 million, a testament to the company’s growing reputation and market leadership in the AI video sector. CEO and co-founder Victor Riparbelli explained that the funds will primarily focus on expanding Synthesia’s global footprint, especially in the Asia Pacific region, where the company sees significant untapped potential. The funding will also support further innovation in its product line, particularly in areas like improving motion realism for avatars, enabling dynamic interactions with objects, and fostering user engagement through advanced customization options. Synthesia’s Journey to Prominence Founded in 2017 by Victor Riparbelli, Matthias Niessner, Lourdes Agapito, and Steffen Tjerrild, Synthesia emerged as a pioneer in leveraging AI for video content creation. The company has grown steadily by focusing on professional, ethical use cases for its technology. Synthesia’s flagship platform enables users to create videos by typing scripts, which are then brought to life using AI avatars. This eliminates the need for costly video production equipment, actors, or studios, making it an attractive solution for enterprises. Over the years, Synthesia has gained widespread recognition for its contributions to the AI sector. Its customer base includes Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and small-to-medium businesses seeking scalable solutions for video creation. Clients span industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, and retail, using Synthesia’s platform for employee training, customer support, and multilingual video content. Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market While the AI video market is rapidly expanding, Synthesia has carved out a distinct niche by focusing on business users. Unlike many competitors that cater to general content creation, Synthesia has tailored its platform for enterprise-grade solutions. This specialization resonates strongly with its investors, who value the company’s emphasis on practicality and professional use cases. Synthesia’s recent platform updates further solidify its competitive edge. Features like personal avatars created with a laptop or smartphone, emotional expressions, a Chrome extension for video generation from screen data, and multilingual support have enhanced its appeal. Collaborative tools allow teams to edit videos in real time, streamlining the content creation process for organizations. Organic Growth Through Innovation Unlike many companies that rely on acquisitions to scale, Synthesia has prioritized organic growth. The company focuses on developing technology internally while leveraging APIs for specific components. For instance, Synthesia partners with Eleven Labs for voice capabilities and refines third-party Large Language Models instead of building its own. This approach ensures agility and allows Synthesia to remain at the forefront of AI innovation. Despite its success, the company maintains a lean operational structure. Synthesia has resisted the temptation to rapidly expand through mergers and acquisitions, preferring to invest in product development and customer experience. This philosophy has enabled the company to build a robust platform that addresses the evolving needs of its users. Riding the Wave of AI Investment Synthesia’s funding success comes at a time when AI startups dominate venture capital investments. In 2024, AI startups accounted for over 37 percent of the $368.5 billion invested globally, with nearly half of the $209 billion in U.S. investments going to AI companies. The company’s strong performance has drawn the attention of governments and industry leaders. Synthesia was recently featured in the U.K. government’s AI action plan, highlighting its potential to drive public service innovation and economic growth. Addressing Challenges in the AI Landscape Despite its achievements, Synthesia operates in a sector fraught with challenges. These include high energy consumption for AI model training, copyright issues surrounding model development, and the ethical concerns of potential misuse for deepfakes or malicious purposes. However, Synthesia has maintained a strong commitment to ethical practices, focusing on applications that add value to businesses and society. Synthesia’s role as a leader in AI-driven video content creation is underscored by its growing customer base, innovative features, and commitment to responsible AI use. As the company continues to refine its offerings and expand its global presence, it is well-positioned to shape the future of video communication in an increasingly digital world. Synthesia’s Vision for the Future With its recent funding, Synthesia aims to remain at the forefront of the AI video revolution. By focusing on business users, advancing its technology, and expanding its market reach, the company is set to redefine how organizations create and interact with video content. As the AI landscape evolves, Synthesia’s strategic approach and unwavering focus on ethical innovation make it a standout player in a highly competitive field. The company’s journey from a pioneering startup to a billion-dollar enterprise serves as a compelling narrative of success in the age of AI.

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