Recently, a company co-founded by former Google employees Pramod Sharma and Jerome SchollerVisual AI PlatformNapkinAnnounced $10 million led by Accel and CRVFinancingThe platform aims to provide users with tools to quickly create visual content through generative AI technology to achieve more effective idea delivery and communication.
Napkin ' s core products are for professionals who need creative marketing and content creation, such as marketing staff, content creators and engineers. Sharma says: “Our goal is to minimize the time and trouble with design by transforming the design process into a process that is primarily productive.”
The user can start with text, or give Napkin a hint to generate text, and then the platform will create a notion-like canvas. By clicking on the " spark icon " after the text paragraph, the text will be converted to a self-defined visual effect, including flow charts, graphics, information maps, etc. Users can further edit colours, fonts and add decorations. The final result can be exported in multiple formats or shared in URL form。
The unique thing about Napkin is that it has a "priority" experience. Sharma explains: “We focus on being the master of life, supported by editorial functions, unlike the tool to add components to the existing editor.”
However, the initial trial showed that Napkin still had some limitations in dealing with complex or vague content. Sometimes it produces visual effects that are unrelated to the original language, or it creates false information. In addition, the design style is homogenous and has been described by some early users as “high school level”。
Nevertheless, investors have high expectations of the Napkin team. Ascel's Rich Wong says, “Jerome and Pramod have a remarkable ability to solve technical difficulties and make them easy for users. We are pleased to be able to support Napkin in introducing visual AI into the new chapter of business storytelling.”
Sharma said that this round of financing will be used for product development and recruiting talents such as AI engineers and graphic designers. Currently, the Napkin team has 10 employees and plans to increase to 15 by the end of the year.
As a startup, Napkin faces the challenge of further improving its products and production quality. However, with its unique positioning and experienced founding team, Napkin is expected to gain a foothold in a business environment that increasingly values visual communication.