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dob Studio

Category: Foundation Models / LLMs

A pioneering Generative AI company specializing in high-end virtual human production and real-time AI video styling solutions that allow users to transform their appearance or create virtual personas instantly. dob Studio was founded in 2020. The company is led by Kwon Young-joon, Min Byung-joon. Based in Seoul, South Korea. Team size: 43. Total funding raised: $7.5M. Latest round: Series A (Jan 2024). Key investors include Korea Development Bank (KDB), Hanwha Investment & Securities, CJ Investment, Atinum Investment, NAU IB Capital, KB Investment.

Founded
2020
Headquarters
Seoul, South Korea
Team size
43
Total funding
$7.5M

Value proposition

Reduces the cost and time of high-end virtual content creation while providing real-time, cloud-based AI video transformation that maintains high visual quality and consistency without the need for local high-performance hardware.

Products and solutions

Devut.ai (데뷧타이) 2.0: An AI-driven video and photo styling SaaS that applies high-quality animation or 3D filters to people and backgrounds., Live Styler (라이브 스타일러): A real-time cloud-based AI styling service for live broadcasts and video conferencing, featuring face-swap and de-identification tech., Virtual Humans (Rui, Aila): High-end virtual personas developed for social media, advertising (KB Life), and entertainment (JTBC/TVING)., dob engine: A B2B production platform for estimating and managing virtual human production costs and projects.

Unique value

Proprietary 'Multi-Stylizer' technology that enables real-time face transformation with high consistency, even when the subject is partially occluded or viewed from extreme angles, effectively overcoming the 'uncanny valley.'

Target customer

B2B brands, broadcasting networks, advertising agencies, MCNs (Multi-Channel Networks), and individual content creators (via B2C SaaS).

Industries served

Media & Entertainment, Advertising & Marketing, SaaS / Content Creation Tools, Metaverse & Virtual Reality (XR)

Technology advantage

Operates as a Cloud SaaS, removing the entry barrier of expensive GPU hardware for end-users, while maintaining low latency for real-time applications like live streaming and XR broadcasts.

How they differentiate

Differentiated by proprietary real-time AI video styling technology that operates via cloud-based SaaS, eliminating the need for high-end local GPUs. Their tech specifically focuses on overcoming the 'uncanny valley' by maintaining high visual consistency and real-time responsiveness for live streaming and broadcasting.

Main competitors

Pulse9, Deep Brain AI, Kleon, Sidus Studio X, EVR Studio

Key partnerships

IB System (Japan): MOU for AI content market expansion in Japan., Major Broadcasters/VOD: JTBC and TVING (XR restoration projects such as 'Alive')., Government/Public Agencies: Ministry of Science and ICT (R&D projects), Korea Tourism Organization., Corporate Clients: KB Life (AI restoration of actress Youn Yuh-jung), LG Electronics (selected for startup programs).

Notable customers

KB Life (AI restoration of Youn Yuh-jung), JTBC/TVING (XR restoration project 'Alive'), CJ ENM, LG Electronics

Major milestones

Founded in June 2020, Released viral virtual human 'Rui' in 2021, Selected as CB Insights' Global Generative AI Top 250 in 2023, Received Ministry of Science and ICT Minister's Award in 2023, Won CES 2025 Innovation Award (Content & Entertainment), Announced participation in CES 2026 for global expansion

Growth metrics

Reached cumulative funding of 10 Billion KRW and selected for South Korea's 'Baby Unicorn' program in 2023.

Market positioning

Leading Generative AI solution provider for virtual human production and real-time video transformation in the media and entertainment sector.

Geographic focus

South Korea, Japan, Middle East (MENA region), and North America.

Patents and IP

Holds multiple patents in AI deep learning-based face synthesis, real-time video styling, and de-identification technology (though specific registration numbers are not publicly listed in brief articles, they are recognized for 'Digital Innovation Award' by MSIT).

About Kwon Young-joon, Min Byung-joon

Kwon Young-joon and Min Byung-joon were appointed as Co-CEOs of dob Studio in late 2024 to lead the company's global expansion and B2C product diversification. Kwon Young-joon has a strong background in business strategy and global partnerships. Min Byung-joon previously served as the COO of dob Studio, where he spearheaded the 'AI Video Styling' initiative and managed key media partnerships. Both work alongside founder Oh Je-wook, a veteran of the Korean content industry with significant prior experience at NCSoft and CJ ENM.

Official website: