Here’s Clout Kitchen! This consumer AI startup that builds creator-powered interactive experiences in gaming and pop culture to unlock new ways for top creators to engage and expand their fan base.

• Founded in 2024, they operate out of the US and the Philippines.

Now, they’ve just raised a $4.45M seed!

Investor check. a16z Games’ SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge co-led the round. Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures also joined in.

• 👼🏻 Founders and creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Voyboy, Jankos and Perkz.

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🎮 More than just a game

Their first product is Backseat AI, an in-game “buddy” for the game League of Legends.

• It’s co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp, one of the world’s biggest gaming content creators with over 20 million followers.

Backseat AI is compliant with League’s developer, Riot and guides players on how to best play the game in real-time!

• Learn what characters to pick up until which items to buy, all guided by an AI voice twin of their favorite creator.
• Since launching early access testing in June, the product has hit over 45,000 waitlist signups.
• Pricing starts at US$4.99 monthly for each creator “buddy,” who earns from every subscription.

They’ll be growing their roster of buddies with streamer and cosplayer Emiru and pro player Jankos. Oh, and more top creators will be joining in the coming months!

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⏭️ What’s next?

They’ll expand Backseat by scaling their team, establishing their US office, and building out their shared internal tech stack for future creator-powered game companion apps and experiences.