Ikonz Studios specializing in digital avatars and holographic technology raises $5 million in funding

Ikonz Studios, a startup that specializes in hyper-realistic AI-powered digital avatars and holographic technology, has raised $5 million in pre-series A as a part of the ongoing round from Marc Jordan of Blue Amber Investments and State of the Art Entertainment.

Ramana Thummu, CTO of Expedia and former CTO of Fanatics Commerce; Marc Jordan, Madhusudan Kela, renowned investor; and Akash Bhanshali, Principal Owner of the Enam Group have also joined this funding round as strategic investors.

All four investors have come on board through their family office.

What does Ikonz Studios do?

Founded in 2021, Ikonz Studios is a Hyderabad-based next-generation AI startup specializing in hyper-realistic, multilingual digital avatars and holographic technology.

The startup leverages generative AI to transform the way people engage with digital content, bringing iconic personalities to life through interactive and intelligent digital experiences.

Purpose of fundraising

Ikonz Studios said the investment from these four industry leaders will enable it to significantly expand its intellectual property (IP) portfolio in both India and global markets while scaling its technical and execution teams.

A major portion of the funding will be directed toward acquiring and developing high-value digital IPs, strengthening Ikonz’s leadership in AI-powered interactive content.

Tripling workforce 

Additionally, the startup will triple its workforce from 34 to nearly 100 employees, with approximately 80% of the team based in India and 20% in the U.S. This strategic hiring will include both technical and non-technical roles to support Ikonz’s aggressive growth plans, the release notes.

"This investment is a testament to the transformative potential of Ikonz Studios in redefining AI-driven experiences. With the support of industry visionaries like Ramana, Marc, Mr Kela, and Mr. Bhanshali, we are poised to scale our impact globally—expanding our IP, strengthening our technology, and enhancing the way people interact with AI," said Abinav Varma Kalidindi, Founder and CEO of Ikonz Studios.

Advancing AI technology

Ikonz is also focused on advancing its AI technology, implementing cutting-edge interactive systems that combine real-time voice and video processing with visual recognition capabilities—allowing AI avatars to "see" and interact with users in both digital and physical environments.

As the startup deepens its footprint in India, it is simultaneously building a dedicated team in the U.S. to strengthen its presence in the North American market.

In addition to this expansion, Ikonz expects to triple its revenue this year, further positioning itself for an upcoming funding round within the next four months to fuel continued innovation and market penetration.

"I have always believed in the power of technology to elevate cultural storytelling. Ikonz Studios is at the forefront of this transformation by turning iconic personalities into interactive digital experiences through AI. I am thrilled to join this visionary team and leverage my experience to help bridge diverse cultures with cutting-edge tech on a global stage," said Marc Jordan, President of Blue Amber Investments.