Virtual influencer platform Bythen secures US$5m to scale global presence

With over 16 years of collective experience in building successful tech ventures, the founding team at Bythen has a vision to revolutionise how digital influencers engage with the world.

Co-founders Kevin Mintaraga, Erick Saputra, Ferry Dianto, and Nathalia Isadora, who previously built Magnivate (acquired by WPP) and Bridestory (acquired by Tokopedia), have now turned their attention to the growing creator economy with a new platform.

Bythen, the startup they founded in 2024, has just raised US$5 million in seed funding, led by Vector Inc. and Skystar Capital. Participating investors include East Ventures, BEENEXT, OSK, and AppWorks, as well as angel investors such as Tokopedia co-founder William Tanuwijaya and Pinkfong Company co-founder Ryan Lee.

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At its core, Bythen allows users to create their own AI-powered digital characters, called “Bytes,” that can autonomously generate content, livestream, and engage with audiences on various social media platforms. This new model offers creators a chance to monetise their digital personas 24/7, whether by producing content, replying to followers, or live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

"Bythen is all about amplifying creators' potential. By providing an accessible platform and revenue-sharing model, we're cultivating an environment where anyone can thrive as a virtual creator," said Kevin Mintaraga, co-founder of Bythen and former CMO of Tokopedia.

This innovative approach arrives at a pivotal time in the creator economy, which is valued at US$325 billion globally, with over 200 million creators. Bythen taps into this growth with its focus on virtual identities and pseudonymous personas, a growing trend among younger users seeking more privacy and creative freedom online.

The Bythen platform is built to support a wide array of creators - from those in gaming and Web3 to those exploring new digital frontiers. The founding team, driven by a shared mission to redefine the virtual influencer space, has also drawn on the expertise of William Nagata, who leads business development after roles at Shopee and in brand aggregation.

With the US$5 million funding in place, Bythen plans a global expansion, aiming to onboard 15,000 virtual influencers this year alone. The team is also preparing to launch its first original IP collection and collaborate with global IP owners to provide even more creative opportunities for its growing community of creators.

"Through our extensive expertise and global network, we are dedicated to assisting Bythen in acquiring high-value content and building strategic partnerships, both in Japan and across international markets," said Ryo Umezawa, vice president of Vector Inc.

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