Upscale AI Launches with $5.5M to Revolutionize Streaming TV Ads for Ecommerce Brands
Streaming TV is quickly becoming the next battleground for performance advertising, and Upscale AI is leading the charge. With over 99% of U.S. households subscribing to at least one streaming service and Americans spending 40% more time watching streaming content than scrolling through social media, it’s clear that streaming TV represents a massive opportunity for brands. Today, Upscale AI officially launches its groundbreaking platform, Upscale Studio, designed to help ecommerce brands create, run, and optimize performance-driven TV ads on streaming channels—all powered by generative AI and machine learning.
Backed by $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding, Upscale AI is poised to transform the way brands approach streaming TV advertising. The funding round was led by nvp capital, with participation from notable investors including M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Eniac Ventures, SuperAngel.Fund, and Breakpoint Capital.
Why Streaming TV is the Next Frontier for Performance Advertising
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and even Walmart-backed Vizio are heavily investing in ad-supported models, signaling a major shift in how consumers interact with video content. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for advertisers to reach highly engaged audiences. However, traditional TV advertising methods are often cumbersome, expensive, and lack the precision needed for performance marketing.
Enter Upscale AI—a startup founded by industry veterans from Google, Twitter, Salesforce, Moloco, and MNTN. The company has developed Upscale Studio, the first end-to-end AI-native platform built specifically for creating, running, and optimizing performance TV ads across connected TV (CTV) platforms. By combining generative AI for high-quality video creation with machine learning-driven programmatic buying, Upscale AI aims to turn TV advertising into a scalable, automated, and measurable performance channel.
Introducing Upscale Studio: The All-in-One Solution for Streaming TV Ads
Upscale Studio is designed to simplify every step of the TV advertising process for ecommerce brands. Here’s how it works:
- AI-Powered Ad Creation:
Brands can auto-generate streaming-ready video ads using their existing website and social media assets. This eliminates the need for costly production teams and lengthy creative processes. - Real-Time Programmatic Bidding:
Once ads are ready, brands can launch campaigns across leading CTV platforms via real-time programmatic bidding. This ensures ads are delivered to the right audience at the right time. - Performance Tracking and Optimization:
Integrated machine learning-powered analytics provide actionable insights, enabling brands to track campaign performance and optimize targeting in real time.
By consolidating creative development, media buying, and performance optimization into a single platform, Upscale Studio empowers brands to execute streaming TV campaigns faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Early Success Stories: What Brands Are Saying
Beta access to Upscale Studio is now open for select ecommerce brands, and early adopters are already seeing impressive results. For example, Branch Furniture and Lalo, two fast-growing direct-to-consumer brands, have leveraged the platform to streamline their ad production cycles, improve campaign execution, and drive measurable ROI.
“Upscale has transformed how we approach TV advertising,” said Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President & CMO of 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. They’ve been a key partner in scaling our brand.”
These success stories underscore the value that Upscale AI brings to the table, particularly for performance-focused ecommerce brands looking to maximize their streaming TV investments.
Aligning with Microsoft’s Vision for AI Innovation
Upscale AI’s launch also aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of fostering the next generation of AI-native vertical solutions for businesses. “Microsoft has been at the forefront of investing in foundational AI—and we’re equally excited to support the next generation of AI applications built on top of that,” said 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.”
This partnership highlights the growing importance of AI-powered tools in reshaping industries, particularly in areas like digital advertising where efficiency and scalability are critical.
A New Era for Streaming and Video Advertising
The launch of Upscale AI comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the streaming ad ecosystem. Major players are doubling down on ad innovation:
- Netflix has introduced its Ad Suite for creative development.
- Amazon Prime Video is building generative AI tools tailored for advertisers.
- Roku has added interactive ad capabilities.
- Walmart’s acquisition of Vizio underscores the retail giant’s push into the streaming ad space.
As these developments unfold, Upscale AI is uniquely positioned to help brands capitalize on this shift. According to Dan Borok, Managing Partner at nvp capital, “Streaming is rapidly becoming the next performance marketing frontier. 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.”
Why Upscale AI Matters for Ecommerce Brands
For ecommerce brands, the ability to leverage streaming TV as a performance marketing channel represents a game-changing opportunity. Traditional barriers—such as high production costs, complex campaign management, and limited measurability—are being dismantled by Upscale AI’s innovative platform. By automating and optimizing every aspect of the process, Upscale Studio enables brands to focus on what matters most: driving revenue and building customer relationships.
With its cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and early success stories, Upscale AI is well-positioned to redefine the future of streaming TV advertising. As more brands recognize the untapped potential of connected TV, platforms like Upscale Studio will play a crucial role in helping them navigate this new era of performance-driven video advertising.
