Next Unicorns: Building a $1B AI Avatar Business with Synthesia CEO Victor Riparbelli | E1776

Added: Jul 13, 2023

Synthesia was founded in 2017 with the goal of making video content creation easier and more affordable. Initially, they focused on AI dubbing for celebrities but soon realized that there was a larger market for self-service video creation. Their platform allows users to create videos in multiple languages and collaborate in real-time. They have seen success in industries like fast food and software, where training and communication can be done more effectively through video. The pricing of Synthesia's platform is based on a per-seat model, with different plans available depending on the number of users. The personal plan starts at $30 per month, while enterprise plans can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. Overall, Synthesia aims to replace text with video in the enterprise and make video content creation accessible to everyone. During the interview, Riparbelli provides a detailed overview of Synthesia's platform. Users can choose from a variety of AI-generated avatars, representing different ages, genders, and ethnicities. The avatars come in different colors and body sizes, allowing for diversity and inclusivity. The platform supports over 120 languages, enabling users to create videos in their preferred language. Users can type in the script for their video, and the platform automatically detects the language and provides suggestions for different accents and styles. Users can also add gestures to make the video more engaging. Riparbelli emphasizes that while AI video tools like Synthesia can enhance productivity and efficiency, they won't replace the need for human talent. The goal is to leverage these tools to empower employees and make them even more effective in their roles. By focusing on individual performance and continually improving productivity, companies can achieve significant growth without solely relying on hiring more people. Regarding job displacement, Riparbelli acknowledges that it is inevitable but believes that humans will find new opportunities just as they have in the past. He also highlights the importance of responsible use of AI tools and mentions that Synthesia has implemented measures like consent, content moderation, and ethical guidelines. They are committed to being proactive and ensuring their tool is used responsibly. The conversation also touches upon the challenges surrounding privacy and data usage. Riparbelli mentions the OpenAI lawsuit and the need to find a fair and pragmatic solution that respects individuals' consent and compensates content creators. He suggests implementing tokens or limiting the output of models to exclude copyrighted works as practical solutions. In conclusion, Riparbelli believes that AI opens up possibilities for new startups and democratizes various industries. He emphasizes that technology should enable people to do more and remove barriers to creation. He invites listeners to check out Synthesia and expresses his enthusiasm for the future of AI and its impact on creators. Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into Synthesia's platform and its potential to revolutionize video content creation in the enterprise. Riparbelli's discussion on responsible use of AI tools and the challenges surrounding privacy and data usage adds depth to the conversation.