Kaltura, a leading AI video platform company based in New York, has announced its acquisition of eSelf.ai, an Israel-based startup specializing in conversational avatars, for approximately $27 million. The acquisition, which was finalized through a definitive agreement, brings together Kaltura’s cloud-based software solutions for advanced video applications and eSelf’s cutting-edge technology in speech-to-video generation and low-latency speech recognition.
Founded in 2023 by CEO Alan Bekker and CTO Eylon Shoshan, eSelf.ai has developed a platform that supports over 30 languages and features a user-friendly studio for creating and deploying photorealistic digital avatars. The startup’s technology enables avatars to engage in real-time conversations with users, interpreting and responding to their inputs. The eSelf team, comprising around 15 AI experts, will join Kaltura, with Bekker and Shoshan overseeing the integration of eSelf’s technology into Kaltura’s offerings.
The Rise of Conversational Avatars in Video Technology
The acquisition marks a significant step in Kaltura’s evolution from a video platform to a video-based customer and employee experience provider. According to Ron Yekutiel, co-founder and CEO of Kaltura, the integration of eSelf’s virtual agent technology will enable Kaltura to deliver more personalized and interactive video experiences. Kaltura’s existing suite of video solutions serves over 800 enterprise customers, including tech giants like Amazon and IBM.
Kaltura’s video platform is designed to help businesses engage users across various sectors, including sales, marketing, customer care, education, and entertainment. With eSelf’s technology, Kaltura aims to enhance its video applications with human-like capabilities, such as faces, eyes, and mouths, making its AI agents more conversational and expressive. The company plans to launch standalone, embeddable agents for various uses, including sales, marketing, and customer support.
Enhancing Video Technology with AI
The acquisition is part of Kaltura’s strategy to leverage AI to drive measurable business results and ROI. By combining eSelf’s conversational avatar technology with its own video platform, Kaltura aims to create a more immersive and interactive experience for users. According to Yekutiel, the company is focused on delivering the full workflow – avatar, intelligence, and enterprise-connected knowledge – rather than just a “face.” This approach is expected to set Kaltura apart from other companies in the avatar space.
Kaltura has a history of strategic acquisitions, having acquired cloud TV solution Tvinci in 2014, Rapt Media in 2018, and video conferencing platform Newrow in 2020. The company went public in 2021 and reports around $180 million in revenue. With the acquisition of eSelf.ai, Kaltura is poised to further expand its offerings in the AI video technology space.
As Kaltura continues to integrate eSelf’s technology into its platform, the company is expected to announce further developments in the coming months. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance Kaltura’s competitive position in the market. With its strong financials and commitment to innovation, Kaltura is well-positioned to drive growth and expansion in the AI video technology sector.
