KLleon

About KLleon

KLleon is a South Korean generative AI company developing technology for creating interactive digital humans. Established in April 2019 by co-founders Seunghyuk Jin (CEO) and Jisu Kang (Chief Research Officer), the company originates from Jin's idea while studying online lectures to make learning more engaging by using the face and voice of a celebrity. Both founders were recognized on Forbes' '30 Under 30 Asia' list for their work. The firm's core 'Deep Human' technology enables the rapid creation of digital avatars from minimal data, such as a single photograph and 30 seconds of voice recording. This technology underpins its main product offerings, which include SDKs and APIs that allow enterprise clients to integrate real-time digital human interfaces with their own AI agents, large language models (LLMs), and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems. Key technical features include real-time lip-sync, emotion-based expression, and lightweight on-device processing, which ensures low-cost, scalable operation on various platforms like mobile devices and kiosks. KLleon operates primarily on a B2B SaaS model, targeting clients in media, advertising, education, and entertainment. Its solutions are used for various applications, such as AI tutors, multilingual airport guidance kiosks, virtual news announcers, and interactive brand representatives. The company has established partnerships with major corporations, including Samsung Electronics, CJ ENM, Kakao, and LG U+. For instance, it provides AI English teaching services for Samsung employees and developed interactive digital humans for multilingual guidance at Incheon International Airport. The company has achieved significant milestones, securing multiple CES Innovation Awards in 2022 and 2023. After raising seed and Pre-A funding from investors like Bluepoint Partners and Kakao Investment, KLleon secured a $7.0 million Series A round in October 2023. This was followed by a Series B round in August 2026, where KB Securities participated as both an investor and the lead underwriter for the company's planned IPO.