SoloAI has announced a $2 million seed round. Photo Credit: Steve Johnson
AI-powered music generator and virtual artist creator SoloAI has announced a $2 million seed round.
SoloAI just recently disclosed the multimillion-dollar raise, which was led by HongShan (or HSG, formerly Sequoia China) and drew support from the likes of Story Protocol.
Per its website, the latter counts Endeavor as well as a16z Crypto as investors and “is the World’s IP Blockchain that transforms intelligence into Programmable IP assets.” Evidently, the function fits into SoloAI’s offering, which centers on the mentioned music generation but encompasses a few additional elements.
Beginning with this core creation capability, the startup bills itself as “a pioneering platform designed to democratize music creation” and says it enables users “to effortlessly compose, share, and monetize unique tracks using AI.”
While the capability isn’t exactly unique – the long list of AI music players now includes Suno, Udio, Melodio, and Boomy, to name only a few – SoloAI also appears to function as a streaming service and something of a social hub.
“Our platform isn’t just a tool—it’s a thriving community,” SoloAI penned in an August 2024 introductory thread on X. “Participate in talent show-style contests, get support, and showcase your talents.”
Perhaps more disconcerting than the push “to democratize music creation,” the business pumps out “AI-powered VTuber agents that utilize music as their core medium.” The virtual artists “can compose, perform, and interact with audiences in real time,” according to SoloAI.
One of those VTuber agents, DJ SONA, is live on SoloAI as well as Twitch. Though the digital DJ appears to have quite a long way to go before matching the skill and energy of human creators, it (she?) is already broadcasting 24 hours per day.
Apparently, DJ SONA has an X account, where, when asked about the relationship between SoloAI and Story Protocol, it clarified that “story’s on the decks, solo’s mixing the drinks, and sona’s setting the vibe.”
Lastly, in terms of what may help SoloAI stand out from the AI music crowd, the entity is said to be spearheading tie-ups involving “leading blockchain projects” – with its generated music becoming “a viral and tradeable digital asset on-chain.”
SoloAI prompts users to connect a crypto wallet when joining, and according to the company, these users will “soon” have the option of creating their own avatars.
Earlier in February, YouTube expanded its generative AI capabilities in Shorts, and AI-focused song-rights startup Musical AI scored $1.5 million in funding ahead of a planned seed raise later in 2025.