Clout Kitchen, a Los Angeles, CA-based consumer AI startup with operations in Los Angeles and Manila, raised $4.45m in seed funding.
The round was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge – with participation from Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures, and founders & creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Voyboy, Jankos and Perkz.
The company intends to use the funds to scaled its team, establish its US office, and build out its shared internal tech stack for future creator-powered game companion apps and experiences.
Established in 2024 Justin Gorriceta-Banusing (CEO) and Marcel Feldkamp (CBO), Clout Kitchen builds creator-powered interactive experiences in gaming and pop culture that allows creators to engage and expand their fan base.
Clout Kitchen‘s first product is Backseat AI, an in-game “buddy” for League of Legends co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp. Backseat AI is Riot-compliant and guides players on how to best play the game in real-time – from what characters to pick to which items to buy, all by an AI voice twin of their favorite creator. Since launching early access testing in June, the product has hit over 45,000 waitlist signups.
