#TechPH - Clout Kitchen Raises $4.45M to Revolutionize Gaming with AI-Powered Experiences

Exciting times are ahead for gamers and content creators! Clout Kitchen, a dynamic consumer AI startup with operations in Los Angeles and Manila, has just announced a whopping $4.45 million seed funding round. This round was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge, with additional support from Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures, and notable founders and creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG) and Kun Gao (Crunchyroll).

Founded in 2024, Clout Kitchen is all about creating interactive experiences that bring fans closer to their favorite gaming and pop culture icons. Imagine having an AI “buddy” that guides you through your favorite games, co-built with top creators like Tyler1 and Emiru. That’s exactly what Clout Kitchen is delivering with their first product, Backseat AI.

Meet Backseat AI: Your In-Game Companion

Backseat AI is an innovative in-game assistant for League of Legends, co-created with the legendary Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp. This AI buddy offers real-time guidance on everything from character selection to item purchases, all voiced by your favorite creators. Since its early access launch in June, Backseat AI has already attracted over 45,000 eager gamers to its waitlist.

“Our goal at Clout Kitchen is to create value for fans, creators, and game developers alike,” says Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen. “We grew up in this space, so it’s our way of giving back.”

A Star-Studded Team

Clout Kitchen is led by some of the brightest minds in the gaming and creator economy. CEO Justin Gorriceta-Banusing previously founded and scaled AcadArena, a leading campus gaming platform in SEA and LatAm, and created CONQuest Festival, the largest creator event in SEA. CBO Marcel Feldkamp, a former League of Legends pro, founded the gaming talent agency Prime, which later joined United Talent Agency.

Expanding Horizons

With this new funding, Clout Kitchen plans to expand Backseat AI, scale its team, establish a US office, and develop more creator-powered game companion apps. The company’s vision is to revolutionize how fans engage with their favorite creators and games.

“As a gamer and creator myself, I’m excited to support Justin and Team Clout Kitchen in their journey to unlock new frontiers for our community,” says Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner at AppWorks. “Justin and the founding team showcased exceptional hearts, heads, and hands from the moment we met them, the very traits we look for in founders.”

The Future of Gaming

“At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world,” says Jack Soslow, Investment Partner at A16Z GAMES. “Clout Kitchen embodies this vision wholly, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they pioneer new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love.”

With Clout Kitchen’s innovative approach and strong backing, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from this trailblazing startup!