Korean AI video editing startup Cutback has secured approximately USD 2.6 million(KRW 3.5 billion) in seed funding. The round was co-led by BASS Ventures and Kakao Ventures, with participation from Smilegate Investment. Cutback was previously selected for Smilegate’s Orange Farm program in the first half of 2024.

Cutback provides an AI-powered video editing agent designed for professional editors. Users upload raw footage and specify editing preferences, and the platform automatically generates draft cuts, removes repetitive sections, creates subtitles, and translates content. Compatible with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Cutback integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, making it a standout solution for professionals.

Since its launch in April 2024, Cutback has rapidly gained traction, acquiring paid users globally and achieving an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over approximately USD 740,000(KRW 1 billion) without prior external funding. Its clients include YouTubers with millions of subscribers, domestic and international broadcasters, and global content studios. By leveraging AI, Cutback reduces editing time by up to 90%, streamlining complex, labor-intensive processes.

With this funding, Cutback plans to enhance its proprietary AI model, recruit top talent in AI and video technology, and accelerate its expansion into the global video editing market. The company aims to redefine the post-production industry and support sustainable workflows for editors.

Led by CEO Damhyung Kim, a former Toss product lead, Cutback’s team comprises talent from leading Korean tech firms like Toss, Kakao, and Remember, as well as global giants like AWS and Amazon, alongside AI engineers with over a decade of experience. The company’s user-centric philosophy, technical expertise, and execution capabilities position it for rapid global growth.

“Cutback’s CEO Damhyung Kim has been refining the product from our office even before the company’s formation,” said Hyungjun Yang, Director at BASS Ventures. “Their exceptional product, user obsession, and growing ambition drove our decision to invest.”

Dongwook Jang, Director at Kakao Ventures, added, “Cutback’s team delivers differentiated products that satisfy high-end video editing professionals. In the AI application frenzy, their product-driven strength stands out. We’ll support Cutback to become the world’s No.1 video editing service.”

CEO Damhyung Kim stated, “We live in an era of video content, yet editing processes remain stuck in the past. Cutback aims to lower editing barriers, enabling faster content creation and storytelling.”