Upscale AI announced it has launched to help e-commerce brands win on streaming. And with $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding, Upscale launches Upscale Studio, the first end-to-end AI-native platform built to create, run, and optimize performance TV ads across streaming. The seed funding round was led by nvp capital with participation from M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund and Breakpoint Capital.
Value proposition: With over 99% of U.S. households subscribing to at least one streaming service and Americans spending 40% more time watching streaming than social media, it’s clear that streaming TV is the next frontier for performance advertising.
Founder experience: Founded by industry veterans from Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN, Upscale AI combines generative AI for high-quality video creation with machine learning-driven programmatic buying, turning traditional TV ads into a performance channel that’s automated, scalable, and measurable.
Upscale Studio: Through Upscale Studio, e-commerce brands can:
1.) Auto-generate streaming-ready video ads using website and social assets
2.) Launch campaigns via real-time programmatic bidding across leading CTV platforms
3.) Track and optimize performance with integrated ML-powered analytics and targeting tools
Beta access to Upscale Studio opens for select e-commerce brands. Early adopters like Branch Furniture and Lalo are already using the platform to speed up production cycles, simplify campaign execution, and drive measurable returns from their streaming investments.
KEY QUOTES:
“With streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and even Walmart (Vizio) going all-in on advertising, we believe it’s time for a new generation of AI-native tools that help brands meet this moment. Upscale Studio is our answer: a full-stack creative and media engine for streaming video that’s designed from the ground up for performance marketers.”
Herman Yang, co-founder and CEO of Upscale AI
“Upscale has transformed how we approach TV advertising. Their data-driven platform helped us quickly identify the right channels and times to reach our core audience. The results speak for themselves: higher engagement, better ROI, and more efficient ad spend. They’ve been a key partner in scaling our brand.”
Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President & CMO, at Lalo
“Microsoft has been at the forefront of investing in foundational AI—and we’re equally excited to support the next generation of AI applications built on top of that. Upscale AI’s platform fits with Microsoft’s vision of enabling companies of all sizes to tap into AI technology for real-world, business value generating AI-native applications.”
Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12
“Streaming is rapidly becoming the next performance marketing frontier. Upscale AI is positioned to help brands capitalize on this shift with a platform that blends AI-driven creative, precise media execution, and measurable results.”
Dan Borok, Managing Partner at nvp capital
