Kittl

Kittl is a browser-based graphic design platform that integrates advanced design tools with artificial intelligence, positioning itself between user-friendly applications like Canva and professional-grade software such as Adobe Illustrator. Founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2020 by Nicolas Heymann (CEO), Tobias Saul, and Philip Rukin, the company was initially launched as Heritage Designer with a focus on typography and vintage lettering. Saul, a designer with a background in typography and graffiti, and Heymann, an entrepreneur, identified a gap in the market for a tool that could streamline the graphic design workflow. They aimed to create a single platform that would simplify the process from inspiration and asset gathering to final production.

The company rebranded from Heritage Type to Kittl in 2022 following a seed round in 2021, broadening its focus to general graphic design while retaining its strength in typography. Kittl has since secured significant funding, including a €10.8 million Series A round in January 2023 and a $36 million Series B round in January 2024, bringing its total funding to over $47 million. Key investors include IVP, Left Lane Capital, and Speedinvest.

Kittl’s business model operates on a freemium basis, offering a free plan for personal use and several paid subscription tiers (Pro, Expert, and Business) that unlock commercial usage rights, higher-resolution exports, and premium features. The platform primarily serves creators, small businesses, print-on-demand (POD) sellers, and graphic designers. Corporate clients reportedly include Warner Bros, Netflix, and Penguin Random House.

The platform offers a suite of features designed to simplify complex design tasks. Its core functionalities include advanced typography tools with text transformation and layering effects, vector editing capabilities, and the use of artboards for managing multiple designs within a single project. Kittl integrates multiple AI models, including OpenAI's DALL-E 3, to offer features like an AI image generator, AI vector creation, a background remover, and an image upscaler. It also provides a large library of curated templates, illustrations, and mockups, with a particular strength in vintage and artistic styles. For collaborative work, the platform introduced Kittl Teams, allowing multiple users to work on projects simultaneously.

Keywords: graphic design platform, AI design tool, vector editing, typography design, print-on-demand, brand asset creation, browser-based design, logo design, mockup generator, collaborative design, AI image generation, vintage design, social media graphics, commercial design, automated design, freemium SaaS, Berlin startup, Nicolas Heymann, Tobias Saul, creative workflow