AI model Inc.
Category: Generative Media (Image / Video)
Japanese startup generating AI-driven digital models and talent to create customized visual content (images/videos) for apparel and advertising without traditional photography. AI model Inc. was founded in 2020. The company is led by Daiki Taniguchi. Based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Team size: 11-50. Latest round: Series B. Key investors include SBI Investment, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund (Global Brain), Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund (PC-SBI), Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Mitsukoshi Isetan Innovations, Sazaby League, Sanyo Bussan, Miyagin Venture Capital.
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Team size
- 11-50
Value proposition
Enables companies to generate and manage customized AI models and talent to rapidly and flexibly optimize creative content across TV commercials, banner ads, and in-store displays without needing full photography shoots.
Products and solutions
AI-generated fashion/talent models for product photos and videos, dialogue-based 'conversational AI model' customer service solution (co-developed with Canon Marketing Japan and Casanare), AI talent 'Luna' for social media/ads
Unique value
Proprietary generative AI + NLP technology purpose-built for apparel/retail creative workflows, backed by strategic corporate investors (Canon, Panasonic, NTT DOCOMO) integrating imaging and lifestyle expertise.
Target customer
Apparel brands, retailers, advertising agencies, and EC (e-commerce) companies
Industries served
Apparel/Fashion, Retail/E-commerce, Advertising, Marketing
Technology advantage
Proprietary generative AI engine combined with natural language processing for interactive AI model solutions; strong corporate CVC backing providing imaging/technology partnerships.
How they differentiate
Focus on Japanese apparel/retail market with strategic corporate investor partnerships (Canon, Panasonic, NTT DOCOMO) providing imaging technology and lifestyle data integration, plus NLP-driven conversational AI model products beyond static image generation.
Main competitors
Botika (botika.io), ZMO.ai, Vue.ai
Key partnerships
Canon Marketing Japan (joint development of conversational AI model solution with Casanare), Panasonic (lifestyle-tailored content), NTT DOCOMO Ventures (lead investor)
Notable customers
Itoen (お〜いお茶 カテキン緑茶 TV-CM AI talent), Shimamura (AI model 瑠菜/Luna for SNS/ads), Mitsukoshi Isetan / MI Online Store (dedicated AI model + ISETAN STUDIO lane), Miyazaki Bank (AI model main character rebrand), adidas, PUMA, SHIPS, Wacoal, Right-on, Sugipharma, Takemoto Piano, Golf Digest Online
Major milestones
2018: Development began, 2020-08: Company incorporated (AI model株式会社), 2022: Service formally launched (apparel lookbooks/catalogs/EC), 2023: Expanded into AI-generated video / Itoen TV-CM AI talent, 2024-02: Seed led by NTT DOCOMO Ventures, 2024-10: Series A led by SBI Investment, 2025-04: Canon MJ Makuhari studio collab for AI model creative production, 2026-01: Pre-Series B with SBI, Canon MIRAI Fund, Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund et al.
Market positioning
Japan-focused enterprise generative AI content platform for retail/apparel brands, differentiated by deep corporate strategic partnerships rather than pure self-serve SaaS.
Geographic focus
Japan (primary), with global competitors in the AI fashion-model-generation space
About Daiki Taniguchi
Founder of Intergroup (インターグルーブ), a creative agency for apparel and advertising companies, founded 2006; handled EC site development, systems, and promotional/creative production before founding AI model in 2018/2020.
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Official website: https://www.ai-model.jp