Google acquires Twitter-backed AI avatar startup Alter for $100 million • TechCrunch

Google has acquired Alter, a synthetic intelligence (AR) avatar startup that helps creators and types specific their digital identification, for about $100 million, a supply accustomed to the matter instructed TechCrunch, in a push to spice up its content material sport and higher compete with TikTok.

The acquisition was accomplished about two months in the past, the supply mentioned, however neither of the businesses disclosed it to the general public. A few of Alter’s prime executives have up to date their LinkedIn profiles to share that they’ve joined Google with out acknowledging the acquisition. The supply requested anonymity as a result of they’re sharing nonpublic info.

A Google spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the corporate has acquired Alter, however declined to touch upon the monetary phrases of the deal.

Alter began its life as Facemoji, a platform that provided plug-and-play tech to assist sport and app builders put avatar programs into their apps. The startup acquired $3 million in seed funding from traders together with Play Ventures, Roosh Ventures, and Twitter.

Facemoji later rebranded as Alter.

Google hopes to make use of Alter to enhance and ramp up its content material choices, an individual accustomed to the matter mentioned.

Alter founders Jon Slimak and Robin Razka didn’t reply to a request for remark.