Upscale AI, a new platform targeting ecommerce brands, launched today with $5.5 million in pre-seed and seed funding to capitalize on the booming streaming TV ad market. With 99% of U.S. households subscribed to at least one streaming service and Americans spending 40% more time on streaming than social media, Upscale AI introduces Upscale Studio—a pioneering AI-native platform for creating, managing, and optimizing performance-driven TV ads on streaming services.
The seed round was led by nvp capital, with participation from M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund, and Breakpoint Capital. Founded by veterans from Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN, Upscale AI merges generative AI for rapid video ad creation with machine learning for programmatic ad buying, making TV advertising automated, scalable, and trackable.
“Streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and Walmart’s Vizio are doubling down on ads,” said Herman Yang, co-founder and CEO of Upscale AI. “Upscale Studio is built for performance marketers, offering an all-in-one AI-powered solution for streaming video campaigns.”
Upscale Studio enables ecommerce brands to:
- Generate streaming-ready video ads from website and social assets.
- Launch campaigns via real-time programmatic bidding on major connected TV platforms.
- Optimize performance with integrated machine learning analytics and targeting.
Currently in beta, early adopters like Branch Furniture and Lalo report faster production, streamlined campaigns, and improved returns. “Upscale has revolutionized our TV ad strategy,” said Michael Wieder, Co-Founder and CMO at Lalo. “Their platform delivers higher engagement, better ROI, and efficient ad spend, helping us scale our brand.”
The launch aligns with Microsoft’s push for AI-driven business solutions. “We’re thrilled to back Upscale AI’s platform, which delivers real-world value through AI-native applications,” said Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12.
Upscale AI enters a dynamic streaming ad landscape, with Netflix’s Ad Suite, Amazon Prime Video’s genAI tools, Roku’s interactive ads, and Walmart’s Vizio acquisition signaling rapid growth. “Streaming is the next performance marketing frontier,” said Dan Borok, Managing Partner at nvp capital. “Upscale AI’s blend of AI creativity, precise media execution, and measurable results positions it to lead this shift.”
