Himaroo, developer of ReverseTok, an AI-based influencer communication platform, has secured USD 5.48 million (8 billion KRW) in funding from SB Partners and Smart Study. The investment includes USD 410,000 (600 million KRW) from SB Partners’ total commitment of USD 1.37 million (2 billion KRW), and USD 2.05 million (3 billion KRW) from Smart Study’s total commitment of USD 4.11 million (6 billion KRW). The company plans to raise the remaining investment amounts in stages and will focus on advancing AI technology, expanding its creator network, and entering global markets.

Himaroo has significantly strengthened its organizational capabilities by appointing Jaeil Seo, former Vice President of Samsung SDS, as CEO. Seo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University, a master’s degree from the same institution, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He is recognized as a leader with a strong engineering foundation and extensive global business acumen.

As Vice President at Samsung SDS, Seo oversaw AI, cloud, and big data business divisions, successfully leading enterprise AI solution development and digital transformation projects. During his seven years as overseas subsidiary head, he secured over 30 clients across 26 European countries and more than 10 clients across nine Southeast Asian nations while developing new business opportunities. With his experience in building AI infrastructure for Samsung Group affiliates, operating large-scale AI models, and deep understanding of overseas markets, Seo is regarded as the key leader who will drive ReverseTok’s AI technology advancement, stable service operations, and global market expansion.

“Based on my AI technology development and commercialization experience at Samsung SDS, I will grow ReverseTok into a globally competitive AI platform beyond the Korean market,” said Seo. “ReverseTok is not just a simple chatbot but a next-generation communication platform that precisely implements influencer personas. Through the convergence of AI technology and the entertainment industry, we will create a new market.”

ReverseTok is an innovative AI communication platform that allows fans to converse with their favorite influencers anytime, anywhere. By precisely implementing real influencers’ speaking styles, tendencies, and personalities through AI technology, fans can communicate with their favorite influencers 24/7 without time or space constraints. The platform’s defining feature is voice conversation support that goes beyond simple text chatbots, providing a lifelike experience as if talking with a real person. Fans can have everyday conversations with influencers, send messages of support, and engage in deep discussions on various topics such as behind-the-scenes filming stories and recent updates.

Through paid content purchases and item sponsorship features, users can enjoy more intensive interactions, and they can choose between realistic or 2D animated AI character styles according to their preferences. The platform has also added fun and competitive elements to fandom activities through a fan ranking system. To enhance service quality, Himaroo has formed a strategic partnership with in2x, a Japan-based AI storytelling and character chatting app. By integrating in2x’s differentiated technology, where users create narratives through AI interaction, ReverseTok has significantly enhanced the conversation quality and immersion of its AI characters. This enables natural conversations that understand context and express emotions beyond simple Q&A, providing fans with more meaningful experiences through long-term relationship building.

Himaroo is highly valued for ReverseTok’s growth potential amid rapidly advancing generative AI technology and expanding fandom culture. Particularly as communication desires with influencers grow among Gen MZ, and new forms of fan experiences using AI technology attract attention, investors are showing concentrated interest. According to global market research firms, the AI chatbot and conversational AI market is growing at an annual rate of over 20%, with AI utilization in entertainment and fan communication sectors surging. Himaroo is expected to continue attracting investment by leading these market trends.

An SB Partners representative explained the investment rationale: “ReverseTok is an innovative business model combining AI technology and fandom culture, with sufficient competitiveness not only domestically but also in global markets. With the addition of CEO Jaeil Seo, who has proven leadership and technical expertise from Samsung SDS, the likelihood of business success has increased further. We expect continued investment attraction and enterprise value growth alongside AI industry expansion.” A Smart Study representative also stated, “The convergence of content IP and AI technology is a core trend in the future entertainment industry. We decided to invest based on our high evaluation of Himaroo’s technical capabilities and CEO Seo’s business experience and vision. We judge that additional investment attraction possibilities are sufficient along with global AI market expansion.”

A Himaroo representative said, “As the global AI market grows rapidly, ReverseTok will become a new communication channel connecting fans and influencers. Through this investment, we plan to accelerate AI technology advancement, creator ecosystem expansion, and overseas market entry.” The company plans to secure creators from various genres including K-pop idols, sports stars, beauty influencers, and virtual influencers, while actively pursuing entry into overseas markets such as Japan, Southeast Asia, and North America. Additionally, through AI technology advancement, the company will provide more natural and personalized conversation experiences and support various communication methods including text, voice, images, and video by applying multimodal AI technology. The company plans to present new revenue models to creators, building a mutually beneficial ecosystem while providing fans with richer and more immersive experiences.

CEO Seo emphasized, “Now is the optimal time for ReverseTok’s growth, as AI technology innovation and fandom culture evolution converge. Based on my experience at Samsung SDS, I will build stable and scalable AI infrastructure and create differentiated services that work in global markets.”