Yellow Raises $5M Seed Funding from A16z Games to Expand AI-Powered 3D Modeling Tool

Yellow, a company founded in 2023, has recently raised $5 million in seed funding from A16z Games to further develop its Gen AI-powered 3D modeling tool called YellowSculpt. This tool allows artists to create clean, pre-rigged 3D character meshes based on a text prompt in less than three minutes. The aim of Yellow is to make 3D character creation more accessible to a wider audience, similar to what 2D image generators have done. YellowSculpt also streamlines the process of making 3D characters ready for animation and use in games.

The unique aspect of Yellow is its focus on empowering human creativity through AI. By building tools that amplify the work of professional 3D artists and make character creation accessible to all, Yellow is enabling the next chapter of human creativity. This vision is supported by the expertise of its founders, CEO Mandeep Waraich and Chief Scientist Prof. Vincent Sitzmann from MIT’s Scene Representation Group, as well as academic experts like Prof. Chris Rupperecht from Oxford University and Prof. Ludwig Schmidt from Stanford’s Computer Vision group.

YellowSculpt not only boosts an artist’s creative output but also reduces friction in other ways. The generated meshes seamlessly integrate with top game engines like Unity, Unreal, and Roblox, as well as other 3D authoring tools such as Daz Studio, Maya, and Blender. In fact, Yellow formed an exclusive partnership with Tafi, the developers of Daz Studio, in January 2024. This partnership allowed Yellow to train its generative AI model using Daz’s 3D library, specifically its Genesis Character Content, in an ethical and IP-safe manner. Tafi’s chief strategy officer, Preston Woo, praised Yellow’s strategic vision and execution, making the partnership an easy decision for them.

Since closing its fundraising round in mid-2023, Yellow has focused on research and development. The company now has 12 employees distributed globally, with three more set to join soon. Yellow’s CEO, Mandeep Waraich, mentioned that they are working on expanding YellowSculpt to include fantasy characters and lifelike expressions and motion. They are also exploring the creation of immersive 3D environments where these characters can interact, aiming to provide a limitless canvas for creativity in gaming and beyond.

In conclusion, Yellow’s Gen AI-powered 3D modeling tool, YellowSculpt, is revolutionizing the accessibility and ease of 3D character creation. By combining AI research capabilities with strong product and commercial instincts, Yellow is empowering both professional artists and beginners to unleash their creativity. With exclusive partnerships and a dedicated team, Yellow is poised for growth and innovation in the world of 3D generative AI tools.