A South Korean startup called Cinamon has raised an $8.5 million Series B round to launch its animated video generation platform “CINEV.” The company plans to use the new capital to build its 3D animation tool, which combines AI motion generation and a filmmaking-focused large language model. CINEV aims to provide users with a more efficient way to create videos, allowing them to build 3D environments, direct scenes, and place characters using text prompts and sliders.
Cinamon’s approach differs from existing AI video generators, which rely on generating pixels using text, images, and videos as reference materials. In contrast, CINEV constructs 3D scenes complete with characters and elements before editing them using its suite of video production tools. The platform is suitable for longer-form content like films and dramas.
Founded in 2019 as Cinamon Games, a subsidiary of content production firm Vonvon, the company shifted focus to creating 3D animation tools after facing data privacy concerns. Its competitors offer interactive storytelling apps and short-form videos, but Cinamon focuses on speed and scalability for content creators and studios. The startup has integrated AI features into its platform since 2022 and recently received investments from Krafton, Naver Z, and SNOW.
Cinamon plans to use the new capital to bolster its offering by leveraging investors’ IPs and 3D assets. It aims to help extend these IPs beyond gaming and drive user acquisition for Krafton and Naver Z. The company expects to focus on individual creators and content IP companies looking for easier workflows in 2025.
With $18.5 million in total capital raised, Cinamon plans to hire more AI engineers and invest in R&D. The startup has a team of 60 staff with expertise in 3D graphics, AI, gaming, and content production.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/03/naver-backed-cinamon-raises-funding-to-launch-video-generator