Another webtoon platform is getting some major VC funding and expansion on the wings of AI: VoyceMe just announced they have added some key personnel, and raised a total of $10 million in funding based on a 1000% increase in readership since 2023.
Calling itself “the first-of-its-kind manga and webtoon creator platform,” VoyceMe uses “ethical AI” to help creators “monetize their content and foster deeper connections with fans through robust social features.” The site claims 8 million monthly visits, and offers the usual blend of fantasy/action vertical scrolling comics – including many original series billed as English Language manga. It’s been around since 2020 – founder Dylan Telano was just 21 when he launched it – with tools like added animation and sound effects and even a TikTok channel. The current expansion is adding AI tools (sigh) to allow creators to bring their ideas to life.
To that end, a couple of executives are joining the team, Dexter Ong will be Vice President, Head of Development, and Head of Strategic Initiatives. He was previously Head of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives (SVP) at Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. Industry veteran Rob Pereyda, formerly Head of Anime at Netflix and Vice President of Business Development at Viz Media, is joining as fractional Head of Anime.
More from the pr:
“VoyceMe is at an exciting tipping point,” says CEO and Founder Dylan Telano in a statement. “Thanks to the confidence from our investment partners, we’re able to fully realize our all-in-one platform experience and content strategy, which looks to turn readers into creators by democratizing manga and webtoons. Through specialized technology we’ve developed, we’re streamlining the creation process, enabling millions of fans to easily create and share their own artwork.”
VoyceMe’s centralized platform introduces a new kind of ecosystem for manga lovers around the world. The comprehensive and intuitive experience allows users to seamlessly find and consume manga, stream anime, connect with an engaged community of authors and artists they love, purchase merchandise, and even become a creator themselves. Currently in beta and set to reach general availability in 2025, VoyceMe’s story-driven technology powered by ethical AI will create more publishing opportunities for first-time creators, experienced artists, and IP looking to enter the anime world. Any user will be able to quickly and easily develop and distribute their own manga and webtoon. In addition, VoyceMe’s technology is all built from creators with creators in mind. VoyceMe’s story-driven technology helps reduce creator burnout, fight against image scraping, and increase content revenue opportunities.
“We’re excited to help usher in this next chapter of growth for VoyceMe as it looks to own one of the fastest growing categories of entertainment, globally.” said Meera Clark of Redpoint Ventures. “As we envision a future where AI transforms every corner of entertainment, we believe that VoyceMe is uniquely positioned to own the market for manga and anime with its proprietary library of training data, responsible generative tooling platform, and engaged user base that together create a compelling flywheel for both creators and fans alike.”
Redpoint Ventures led the latest funding round for VoyceMe, with participation from existing investors Torch Capital, Red Sea Ventures, and Clara Vista Partners.
Here’s a sample video showing the animation effects and more screenshots:
