Panjaya, a startup led by founders Hilik Shani and Ariel Shalom, is making waves in the world of translation with its innovative BodyTalk product. This hyperrealistic, gen AI-based dubbing tool for videos is designed to recreate a person’s original voice speaking in a new language, with the video and speaker’s physical movements adjusting naturally to match the new speech patterns. After three years in stealth mode, Panjaya has emerged with a $9.5 million funding round to support its groundbreaking technology.
While Shani and Shalom bring deep learning expertise from their work with the Israeli government, CEO Guy Piekarz adds valuable industry experience to the team. With a background in streaming video and a successful startup exit to Apple, Piekarz was drawn to Panjaya by the impressive technology he witnessed in action. The company’s focus on B2B clients like JFrog and TED showcases the potential applications of its translation tool in various industries, from sports to healthcare.
Panjaya’s approach to synthetic media sets it apart from competitors, aiming to create “deep real” videos that avoid the negative connotations associated with deepfakes. By emphasizing quality and control over access to its tools, the company is working to prevent misuse and misinformation in the market. While captions have become a popular feature in video consumption, there is still a demand for dubbed content, especially in international markets where native language content can drive better engagement.
In a landscape where AI-based translation tools are abundant, Panjaya’s focus on natural, high-quality dubbing could be a game-changer for content creators and businesses looking to reach a global audience. As the company explores new verticals like sports, education, marketing, and medicine, the potential for growth and impact in the industry is significant. With plans to expand its offerings and enhance video processing capabilities, Panjaya is poised to lead the way in the evolution of translation technology for videos.
