Pictoria

Pictoria Inc. operates at the intersection of entertainment and technology, with a focus on creating and managing AI-powered virtual entertainers. Founded in December 2017 by Hayato Aketo, the company is carving out a niche in the rapidly growing Virtual YouTuber (VTuber) market. Aketo, who serves as CEO, established the company during his time as a student at Meiji University, following a study abroad experience at the University of California, Berkeley, and internships at consulting and game development firms. His background in both business and content creation shaped the firm's direction, leading it from traditional VTuber management to the development of proprietary AI-driven characters.

The company's business model is structured around three core pillars: a content business focused on producing its own AI VTubers (AITubers), a solutions or alliance business that provides custom AI character development for corporate clients, and an R&D division for advancing the underlying technology. The primary revenue stream is derived from its AITuber talent agency, "AI CAST," which manages AI personalities who engage audiences through live streaming and other content formats, similar to human influencers. For enterprise clients, Pictoria offers end-to-end AI character creation, including design, voice synthesis, and content production, to address various business needs like customer support or brand promotion.

A significant milestone for the company was the 2019 debut of its first VTuber, "Towa Kiseki," who successfully raised 14 million yen through crowdfunding. This early success was followed by a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence, culminating in the launch of AITuber "Nen Tsumugi" in October 2020. The firm has established itself as a pioneer in this domain with the announcement of the first-ever AITuber agency, "AI CAST," in March 2023. Pictoria has secured significant funding to fuel its growth, including a Series A2 round in April 2024, bringing its total raised capital to over $6.1 million from investors like Sony Innovation Fund and Z Venture Capital.

Keywords: AI VTuber, virtual entertainer, character AI, generative AI, VTuber production, digital avatar, AI talent agency, content creation, live streaming, Japanese startup, Hayato Aketo, AI CAST, Nen Tsumugi, virtual influencer, entertainment technology, alliance business, AI solutions, intellectual property, character business, voice synthesis