#Japan #Tokyo #AI Model #Canon Marketing #MIRAI Fund

Canon Marketing Japan Expands Investment in AI Model

Recently, Canon Marketing Japan Co., Ltd. (CEO: Maschika Adachi) announced a renewed investment in AI Model Co., Ltd. (CEO: Taiki Taniguchi), which focuses on innovative AI technologies and photography techniques for creative production. This investment is part of a follow-up to their Series A funding round, facilitated through the Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, a dedicated corporate venture capital (CVC) initiative.

Since their initial investment, the two companies have significantly expanded their collaboration, including jointly operating a photography studio, which has allowed both entities to explore and develop new creative services. With this additional funding, Canon expects to combine AI Model's visual expression capabilities with its own imaging technologies and expertise, which will accelerate the creation of innovative offerings in the market.

The Role of AI Model in Creative Production

AI Model has developed a proprietary generative AI technology that supports various aspects of creative production, providing tailored AI models and AI talents for multiple applications, including TV commercials, advertisements, e-commerce, catalogs, and in-store signage. Their comprehensive approach facilitates the entire creative process—from concept development to production and performance verification. Recently, they have also integrated cloud-based solutions like “A/CLOUD,” which streamlines creative workflows across different departments such as marketing and sales. This ensures a coherent and efficient approach to producing and evaluating marketing materials.

Canon's MIRAI Fund targets two main areas for investment: Well-Being and Business Transformation. Through this partnership with AI Model, Canon aims to promote advancements in labor productivity and create enriching work environments through practical AI applications. The firm also seeks to stimulate regional industries and transform existing value chains by integrating AI technologies.

The Vision Behind Canon's Investment

Canon Marketing Japan Group is committed to addressing societal challenges through forward-thinking technology and business innovation. Their investment strategy emphasizes open innovation, enabling them to forge partnerships with startups that possess cutting-edge technologies and business ideas, thereby creating new value for society. This ongoing investment in AI Model reflects Canon's aspiration to expand its business growth by exploring diverse sectors.

Through their established collaborative efforts, both Canon and AI Model are focused on enhancing their shared initiatives, such as operating photography studios and developing innovative solutions. The latest round of funding will further strengthen their partnership, enabling them to advance the integration of generative AI and creative fields.

AI Model's approach to utilizing generative AI for creative support not only opens up new opportunities for visual expression but also contributes to solving critical business challenges by improving corporate productivity. By deepening their collaboration, both companies strive to leverage AI technologies to create impactful solutions that address societal needs and promote sustainable growth.

For inquiries from the public, please contact Canon Marketing Japan R&B Promotion Department. For more information on R&B and CVC initiatives, visit their respective websites.

About AI Model

• - Company: AI Model Co., Ltd.
• - Established: August 2020
• - Location: 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Taiki Taniguchi
• - Business: Solutions leveraging AI-generated models and talents
• - Website: ai-model.jp

About Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund

Canon Marketing Japan has initiated the R&B Promotion Center in January 2024 to drive the creation of new businesses addressing future challenges. The MIRAI Fund, with a scale of 10 billion yen, aims to accelerate open innovation with startups. The fund focuses on Well-Being and Business Transformation as its primary investment sectors.