TL;DR:
- Atlas, a 3D generative AI platform, has emerged from stealth mode with $6 million in seed funding.
- The funding includes two rounds, led by 6th Man Ventures and Collab+Currency, respectively.
- Atlas partners with game developers and brands to accelerate the creation of virtual worlds using advanced AI technology.
- It allows for the generation of detailed 3D models from reference images and text inputs.
- Founded by Ben James in early 2021, Atlas focuses on bridging design and technology through machine vision.
- Ethical considerations have been a priority, with adherence to the EU’s Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy AI.
- Atlas’s proprietary software streamlines workflows for designers and creators, resulting in a remarkable 200x increase in speed.
- Current partners include Consortium 9, Shrapnel, Square Enix, and indie game developers.
- While currently catering to enterprise and commercial use, Atlas plans to launch a public platform for small and indie developers.
- Their business model revolves around a standard license-based approach.
- Funding will be used to expand developer solutions and develop a self-service 3D AI creator platform.
- Key investors in the funding rounds include a16z Scouting Fund, Contango, Gaingels, GFR Fund, New Renaissance Ventures, Square Enix, and Wagmi Ventures.
- Atlas envisions empowering next-gen content creators without 3D modeling or coding expertise.
Main AI News:
In the world of tech innovation, Atlas, the 3D generative AI platform, has emerged from stealth mode with an impressive $6 million in seed funding. This funding is the result of two rounds, with $4.5 million led by 6th Man Ventures (6MV) and an additional $1.5 million led by Collab+Currency. Atlas is set to revolutionize the virtual worldbuilding industry by partnering with game developers and brands, offering them the ability to construct intricate virtual realms in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. What sets Atlas apart is its capability to generate highly detailed 3D models from reference images and text inputs.
Founded in early 2021 by Ben James, a self-taught coder with a background in architecture, Atlas is at the forefront of merging design and technology. James explains, “I’ve worked a lot at the intersection of design and technology. I’m a self-taught coder, and I thought that there would maybe be an interesting way to look at architecture through the guise of machine vision.” Atlas explores the potential of connecting machine vision learning from 2D imagery to bring it into the 3D realm.
Ethical considerations have been at the core of Atlas’s development process. The startup received a research grant from the European Union’s High-Level Expert Group on AI and meticulously adhered to the union’s Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.
Atlas’s proprietary software, developed in-house by a team of experts in AI, gaming, and design, aims to serve as a collaborative design partner by streamlining workflows for designers and creators. Their past projects have demonstrated an astonishing 200x increase in speed, thanks to custom-built 3D generative AI engines.
Current partners such as Consortium 9, Shrapnel, and Square Enix have not only invested in Atlas but also utilized its technology to generate virtual worlds, creative assets, and designs that seamlessly integrate with existing intellectual property.
While currently available only for enterprise and commercial use, Atlas has plans to initiate alpha testing for a public platform in the near future. This platform will cater to small and indie developers, enabling them to upload reference images and style indicators and receive finely tuned AI models tailored to their specific game styles and aesthetics.
Regarding its business model, Atlas intends to stick to a standard license-based approach. The recently secured funding will be instrumental in accelerating the expansion of their suite of developer solutions and the development of a self-service 3D AI creator platform.
Notable participants in the funding rounds include the a16z Scouting Fund via Shrapnel, Contango, Gaingels, GFR Fund, New Renaissance Ventures, Square Enix, and Wagmi Ventures. As Atlas continues to evolve its technology stack, it aspires to empower next-gen content creators who lack 3D modeling or coding expertise to bring their imaginative visions to life. James envisions a future where individuals can leverage their unique experiences, whether text-based or image-based, to create diverse and captivating content, ushering in a new era of creativity and innovation. With the right tech stack in place, Atlas is poised to unlock a world of possibilities.
Source: Atlas
Conclusion:
Atlas’s emergence with substantial funding and innovative 3D generative AI technology marks a significant development in the market. Its ability to streamline virtual worldbuilding for both established and indie developers has the potential to reshape the industry by democratizing content creation. As the platform opens up to a wider audience, it is poised to unlock new opportunities and foster creativity in the virtual world landscape, making it a notable player to watch in the coming years.
