Rembrand, an AI startup specializing in virtual product placement, has secured $23 million in Series A funding to scale its technology and break into connected TV (CTV) formats. The round was led by super{set}, with participation from The Trade Desk, Naver D2SF, and existing investors, including L'Oréal's BOLD venture fund and Greycroft.
Key Points:
- Rembrand's AI analyzes video frames to seamlessly insert branded products into social media and, soon, CTV content.
- Current clients include major brands such as PepsiCo, L'Oréal, Charles Schwab, and Amazon, with the platform achieving 250 million paid views in 2024
- The company is launching AI Studio, a self-service platform for brands, and plans to release a free version for broader creator access
Founded in 2022, Rembrand has gained some traction for its AI-powered platform that analyzes video content frame-by-frame to identify optimal spots for virtual product placement. Unlike traditional ad models, Rembrand's uses generative AI to place branded items on surfaces like shelves, walls, or tables during post-production, enabling tailored advertising for different audiences. For example, a viewer in France might see a Perrier bottle on a countertop, while someone in New York sees a Pepsi.
CEO Omar Tawakol highlighted the efficiency of their AI: "Today, product placement often requires negotiating scripts years in advance. With Rembrand, brands can adapt ads dynamically and at scale."
The funding will accelerate Rembrand's push into connected TV and professional content, with early deals in place with a production studio specializing in travel and cooking shows. Additionally, the company plans to expand its AI Studio platform, allowing creators and brands to independently manage campaigns. A free version of the platform is also set to launch, opening opportunities for smaller creators.
Rembrand charges marketers on a cost-per-impression basis and pays creators per thousand impressions (CPM). It also plans to generate revenue through licensing agreements, enabling brands to use the technology with their own partnerships.
The company remains unprofitable but reported sixfold revenue growth between 2023 and 2024, with Tawakol predicting billions of paid views in 2025. As CTV continues to grow and traditional advertising models face increasing fatigue, Rembrand's AI-powered solution positions it at the forefront of the in-scene advertising revolution.