AI-Powered Platform Enables Brands to Create, Run, and Optimize Streaming TV Ads with Generative AI and Machine Learning
Upscale AI has officially launched with $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding and introduced Upscale Studio—the first AI-native platform built end-to-end to create, run, and optimize performance TV ads across streaming platforms.
With more than 99% of U.S. households subscribed to at least one streaming service and viewers spending significantly more time on streaming than social media, the demand for innovative performance advertising tools in connected TV (CTV) has never been higher. Upscale AI addresses this need by helping ecommerce brands leverage generative AI and machine learning to maximize reach and return on investment in the streaming ecosystem.
The funding round was led by nvp capital, with additional support from M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund, and Breakpoint Capital.
Founded by veterans from companies like Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN, Upscale AI delivers a new model for video advertising by combining generative AI-powered video production with machine learning-driven programmatic media buying. This creates an automated, scalable, and measurable performance channel out of traditional TV advertising.
“With streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and even Walmart [Vizio] going all-in on advertising, we believe it’s time for a new generation of AI-native tools that help brands meet this moment,” said Herman Yang, Co-founder and CEO of Upscale AI. “Upscale Studio is our answer: a full-stack creative and media engine for streaming video that’s designed from the ground up for performance marketers.”
Introducing Upscale Studio: A Unified Creative, Media, and Optimization Platform
With Upscale Studio, ecommerce brands can:
- Automatically generate streaming-ready video ads using website and social media content
- Launch campaigns through real-time programmatic bidding across major CTV platforms
- Track and optimize campaign performance using built-in ML-powered analytics and targeting tools
Beta access to Upscale Studio is now open for select ecommerce brands. Early adopters like Branch Furniture and Lalo are already using the platform to accelerate content production, simplify campaign management, and generate measurable returns on streaming ad investments.
“Upscale has transformed how we approach TV advertising,” said Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President & CMO at Lalo. “Their data-driven platform helped us quickly identify the right channels and times to reach our core audience. The results speak for themselves: higher engagement, better ROI, and more efficient ad spend.”
The launch aligns with Microsoft’s larger vision of enabling AI-native solutions across industries. According to Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at M12, “Upscale AI’s platform fits with Microsoft’s vision of enabling companies of all sizes to tap into AI technology for real-world, business value generating AI-native applications.”
A New Frontier for Performance Marketing
Upscale AI’s arrival coincides with growing momentum in the streaming advertising industry:
- Netflix has rolled out an ad suite for creative development
- Amazon Prime Video is investing in generative AI tools for advertisers
- Roku has introduced interactive ads
- Walmart has acquired Vizio to expand its streaming ad footprint
“Streaming is rapidly becoming the next performance marketing frontier,” said Dan Borok, Managing Partner at nvp capital. “Upscale AI is positioned to help brands capitalize on this shift with a platform that blends AI-driven creative, precise media execution, and measurable results.”