Upscale AI Raises $5.5M to Launch AI-Native Platform for Creating and Optimizing Streaming TV Ads

Upscale AI Launches with $5.5 Million in Funding and Introduces ‘Upscale Studio’ — the First AI-Native Platform to Create and Optimize Performance TV Ads on Streaming Channels SAN FRANCISCO -- With over 99% of U.S. households subscribing to at least one streaming service and Americans spending 40% more time on streaming platforms than on social media, the next frontier for performance advertising is clearly streaming TV. Today, Upscale AI, an AI-focused startup, launches its innovative platform, Upscale Studio, to help ecommerce brands leverage this opportunity. The company has secured $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding, signaling strong confidence in its mission to automate, scale, and measure TV ads effectively. This funding round was led by nvp capital, with additional support from M12 (Microsoft’s venture fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund, and Breakpoint Capital. Founded by industry veterans from Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN, Upscale AI integrates generative AI for video creation and machine learning for programmatic buying, transforming traditional TV advertising into a performance-driven channel that is both automated and measurable. Herman Yang, co-founder and CEO of Upscale AI, remarked, "With major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and even Walmart [Vizio] embracing advertising, we see an urgent need for a new generation of AI-native tools. Upscale Studio is our solution—a comprehensive creative and media engine tailored for streaming video, specifically designed to meet the demands of performance marketers." Introducing Upscale Studio: A Full-Stack Creative and Media Engine Upscale Studio offers ecommerce brands an integrated suite of tools for: Creative Generation: Utilizes generative AI to produce high-quality videos quickly and efficiently. Programmatic Media Buying: Employs machine learning to purchase and place ads with precision. Real-Time Optimization: Continuously refines ad campaigns based on performance metrics. The platform aims to streamline the entire process of creating, running, and optimizing TV ads, making it accessible and effective for brands of all sizes. Early Adoption and Success Stories Beta access to Upscale Studio is now open to select ecommerce brands. Companies like Branch Furniture and Lalo have already joined the platform, experiencing significant benefits. Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President & CMO at Lalo, shared his experience: "Upscale has revolutionized our approach to TV advertising. Their data-driven platform quickly identified the best channels and times to reach our target audience, leading to higher engagement, better ROI, and more efficient ad spend. Upscale has been instrumental in scaling our brand." Strategic Alignment with Microsoft The launch of Upscale AI aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to foster AI-native vertical solutions for businesses. Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12, commented, "Microsoft has been a leader in investing in foundational AI. We are thrilled to support the next generation of AI applications that build on this foundation and deliver tangible business value. Upscale AI’s platform is a prime example of how AI can be used to empower companies to achieve real-world results." A New Era for Streaming and Video Advertising As streaming continues to grow as a key medium for advertisers, Upscale AI is well-positioned to lead the way. Dan Borok, Managing Partner at nvp capital, noted, "Streaming is quickly becoming the next big performance marketing frontier. Upscale AI’s platform, which blends AI-driven creative content, precise media execution, and measurable outcomes, is set to help brands capitalize on this shift." About Upscale AI Upscale AI is pioneering the use of streaming TV and video for performance advertising in the ecommerce sector. Its flagship product, Upscale Studio, is the first AI-native platform to manage creative generation, programmatic media buying, and real-time ad optimization for streaming TV. Backed by leading venture capitalists and helmed by ad tech experts, Upscale AI is poised to redefine how brands engage with their audiences through streaming platforms.