D-ID Acquires Simpleshow to Boost AI Video Technology

Deal Details and Background

D-ID, a company specializing in AI video technology, announced its acquisition of Simpleshow, a prominent Berlin-based video production startup. Although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Simpleshow's products are expected to operate under D-ID's supervision, with future plans to fully integrate both platforms to enhance AI-based video solutions.

Simpleshow was founded in 2008 and successfully raised over $20 million in funding over the years. Prior to the acquisition, the company had offices in major global cities such as Berlin, Luxembourg, London, Miami, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Following this merger, the new company will consolidate its offices in strategic locations including Berlin, Tel Aviv, and the United States.

While D-ID did not disclose the exact number of Simpleshow employees prior to the acquisition, it stated that the merged entity would comprise 140 employees. Gil Perry, CEO of D-ID, stated that Simpleshow initially reached out seeking a strategic partnership, and both parties quickly realized a significant synergy between their management teams and products.

The Companies' Vision for the Future

Both companies agree that the future of digital avatars holds immense potential for a wide range of video applications, including training, marketing, and sales videos. D-ID already offers a sophisticated suite of AI-powered interactive avatars to its current clients.

Carsten Boehrs, CEO of Simpleshow, explained that the company started as an agency specializing in producing corporate videos when he joined over a decade ago. In an effort to expand and serve a wider international customer base, Simpleshow moved towards developing an integrated technology platform as a service (SaaS).

Simpleshow's Evolution and Tools

In 2017, Simpleshow launched one of its most prominent early tools: innovative technology to convert texts into engaging videos for its clients. Boehrs added that with the accelerating development of artificial intelligence in recent years, Simpleshow held discussions with leading companies like Synthesia to explore partnership possibilities, ultimately settling on the acquisition by D-ID.

Simpleshow's Customer Base and Financial Impact

In addition to its technological products, Simpleshow brings a strong customer base of over 1500 companies, including prominent global names such as Adobe, Audi, Airbus, Microsoft, Bayer, HP, T-Mobile, McDonald’s, eBay, and Deutsche Bank. Perry noted that this acquisition will significantly boost D-ID's revenues and drive it towards profitability.

Future Innovations and Competition

D-ID aspires to develop revolutionary interactive training videos, where users can interrupt the video presented by a digital avatar to ask direct questions or conduct instant quizzes, enhancing the learning and interaction experience.

D-ID faces intense competition in the corporate digital avatar adoption market, from key players like Synthesia and Soul Machine. Furthermore, tech giants such as Google and McKinsey are also developing advanced solutions to empower their clients to leverage the power of digital avatars.

Additional Funding for the Deal

D-ID has raised a total of $60 million in funding to date. The company confirmed that it secured additional funding to finance the acquisition of Simpleshow, although the specific amount of this new funding was not disclosed.

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