Orbo will continue to offer Gemia as a subscription-based SaaS tool for image enhancements
Mumbai, India-based computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) startup, Orbo AI has acquired U.S.-based photo editing startup Gemia from large AI research firm Arvi Inc.
Although the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, Orbo Founder and CEO Manoj Shinde told Jumpstart that the deal was finalized in early March. The acquisition will bolster Orbo’s intellectual property (IP) and product portfolio.
According to the company statement, Orbo will continue to offer Gemia as a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product for automated image enhancement, and will utilize its research and development resources to enhance its current portfolio.
Founded in 2015 by Shinde, a former Adidas and Reliance Brands executive and previously the founder of social discovery platform 3 Other Things, Orbo uses AI and deep learning to access contextual information and improve image quality and resolution, and reduces editing redundancy by automating manual and rudimentary editiasks.
“We already have strong AI-based IP in the image enhancement space that can do many things automatically as of today, so this acquisition would enable us to bring more advanced and consolidated offerings for users who are looking for quick turnaround or automated experience without putting a heavy burden on their wallet,” Shinde said in the statement.
The startup offers software development kits (SDKs) for image retouching, deep facial tracking and virtual makeup, in addition to services like background removal, face contouring, object removal, de-noising, and super resolution. Some of Orbo’s clients include Intel, Cisco Webex, GE Healthcare, Samsung, Tata Consultancy Services, KPMG, and DataMatics.
“As more and more applications continue to move from large monolithic or highly complex manual software to the cloud and SaaS, more such users are requiring simplicity, automated experience and access to applications from anywhere in the world. AI is bringing automation and quicker delivery of the outputs without any manual intervention,” Shinde added.
“The acquisition would enable us to bring more advanced and consolidated offerings for users looking for automated experience,” Shinde said.
Although the global pandemic has affected all businesses across the world, Orbo has experienced comparatively less impact because of its industry.
“It’s been a difficult time for all businesses, but because of the kind of industry we are in, and the kind of work we do, I think we lucked out,” said Shinde.
Gemia, powered by computer vision and AI, is a personal tool that understands scene semantics, analyzes defects, and offers a one-click professional way to improve pictures, according to the company statement.
According to Gemia Founder Mykhailo Dementii, Gemia is “handy not only in photo enhancement itself but also in post-processing of computer games visuals, in particular.”
Gemia may launch an advanced cloud-based service with superior image enhancement toolset and video editing capabilities in its next version.
Top: Orbo team with Founder and CEO Manoj Shinde (middle).
Image courtesy of Orbo AI.
