a16z leads investment in AI virtual character startup, aiming at the platformization opportunity of "AI companion + virtual IP".

The largest US venture capital firm a16z leads the investment in AI virtual character startup Shizuku AI, with a seed round financing of about 15 million U.S. dollars, and a valuation of about 75 million U.S. dollars. OpenAI board member Adam D'Angelo also participated in the investment as an individual, targeting the opportunity of platformization of "AI companions + virtual IP".