Clout Kitchen Raises $4.45M to Develop AI Gaming Companions Inspired by Creators

Clout Kitchen has successfully completed a seed funding round, securing $4.45 million to advance their groundbreaking plans for AI gaming companions. This funding will enable the company to innovate exciting products powered by popular content creators. Among these initiatives is Backseat AI, an advanced tool specifically crafted to enrich the gaming experiences of League of Legends players. This unique offering lets gamers interact with an AI friend that embodies the spirit of renowned gaming influencers. Clout Kitchen aims to harness this investment to expand its team and enhance its technological capabilities.

Understanding Backseat AI: Your In-Game Buddy

Backseat AI acts as a real-time companion specifically for League of Legends, providing crucial advice and tips to enhance gameplay. This AI gaming companion functions in harmony with Riot Games’ in-game API, ensuring that players receive customized and relevant support. The AI buddy communicates using the voices of various popular content creators, which makes the gaming experience even more engaging. Since launching early access testing in June, the service has been priced at $4.99 per month for each creator-specific buddy selected. Currently, players can choose from various partners, including:

• Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp
• Cosplayer and streamer Emily “Emiru” Schunk
• Professional esports player Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski

This offering primarily targets entry-to-mid-level players who are eager to sharpen their skills.

Insights from the CEO on Backseat AI

During a discussion with GamesBeat, Clout Kitchen’s CEO, Justin Gorriceta-Banusing, shared valuable insights about Backseat AI and its importance for gamers and creators. He stated, “Backseat is like a real-time buddy for League; it tells you how to play better and provides commentary on the action in the voice of your favorite creator. We also incorporate visual overlays that deliver tips, tricks, and stats. Think of it as that supportive friend who cheered us on while we learned to excel at our favorite game.”

Funding and Future Growth Plans

The recent funding round, spearheaded by Peak XV’s Surge and a16z Speedrun, also saw contributions from a range of investors, such as AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, and Orvel Ventures, alongside several creators. Jack Soslow, an investment partner at a16z Games, emphasized his strong confidence in Clout Kitchen’s vision. He noted, “At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world. Clout Kitchen perfectly aligns with this vision, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they develop new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love.”

The Personal Inspiration Behind Backseat AI

Banusing shared that the inspiration for Backseat AI partly originated from Tyler1’s life changes, particularly his transition into fatherhood. He wanted to keep engaging with his community without sacrificing quality time with his newborn. Banusing elaborated, “Ultimately, we aim to address the creator scale and time dilemma. Most creators earn revenue through ads, content subscriptions, and brand partnerships. These options can be time-consuming and may not align with a creator’s personal style. With AI buddies, we offer every community member a unique way to interact with their favorite creator— all while preserving the creator’s valuable time.”

Expanding AI Gaming Companions Beyond Gaming

Looking towards the future, Clout Kitchen plans to broaden its product range to include other games and partner with more creators. Banusing indicated that as the company grows, they aspire to develop additional applications like Backseat AI for various titles, as well as expanding into non-gaming applications such as fitness. He highlighted, “We’re exploring games like World of Warcraft, in addition to non-gaming use cases. As we say internally, ‘all your favorite games, all your favorite people.’”

The Visionary Path of Clout Kitchen

Clout Kitchen stands on the threshold of thrilling advancements in the gaming industry, poised to redefine how players connect with their favorite games and content creators. The innovatively designed AI gaming companions will provide players with personalized interactions while aiding in skill enhancement. With robust funding support and an ambitious vision, Clout Kitchen is heading towards impactful changes in the gaming world and beyond.