Genies, Inc.

To provide the visual layer for AI, enabling avatars to serve as the connective, expressive interface for digital interaction and connection.

Genies builds AI-powered avatars that serve as the visual layer for digital interactions. Founded in 2017, the company creates customizable, emotionally intelligent avatars that can chat, express personality, and integrate across apps, games, and social platforms. Their Avatar Framework and developer SDKs let creators build game-ready Smart AI companions with full customization, AI-generated fashion, and user-generated content. Major partnerships include Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and sports associations like the NFLPA and MLBPA. Based in Los Angeles with 100-250 employees, Genies aims to become the visual and interactive layer for the LLM-powered internet.

Products

The core offering is a suite of SDKs for building intelligent avatars: Avatar SDK for high-fidelity, customizable characters; Art Forge SDK for creating avatar assets like clothing; Intelligence SDK for AI capabilities; and Party SDK for multi-avatar experiences. Genies also runs a consumer app where users create personal avatars, plus chat experiences featuring celebrity and original characters. All avatars maintain persistent identity across platforms and support real-time interactions in Unity and Unreal Engine.

Funding

Genies has raised approximately $271.8 million across multiple rounds, reaching unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation after its $150 million Series C in April 2022, led by Silver Lake. Earlier rounds included a $64.5 million Series B led by BOND in April 2021. Notable investors include NEA, Breyer Capital, Dapper Labs, and Bob Iger. The company reported $38.5 million in annual revenue as of 2025.

Recent news

In the first half of 2026, Genies significantly expanded its enterprise footprint by announcing several major strategic partnerships to transform iconic intellectual property (IP) into interactive AI companions and characters. Key collaborations include partnerships with Sanrio (Hello Kitty), the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), King Records, and Webtoon Entertainment. These agreements allow Genies to integrate its AI avatar technology into the digital platforms of these partners, enabling fans to engage with licensed characters and personalities through interactive, AI-powered chat and gaming experiences.

Technology

Backend systems run primarily on Python with Go and JavaScript components. The AI stack centers on foundation models, prompt engineering, RAG, knowledge graphs, and multi-agent architectures for avatar intelligence. Machine learning relies on PyTorch and TensorFlow for 3D generative AI. Web platforms use React, Next.js, TypeScript, and Node.js. High-performance core SDKs are built in C++ with Unity and Unreal Engine integration for real-time avatar experiences.

Benefits

Salaries range from $200,000-$275,000 with equity packages. Health, dental, and vision insurance are fully covered, plus unlimited PTO, parental leave, and 11 paid holidays. The hybrid work structure requires four days in office weekly at their Los Angeles headquarters (which reportedly has a slide). Additional perks include monthly wellness reimbursements, 401(k) matching, and choice of MacBook or Windows laptop. The culture emphasizes ownership and shipping products that surprise users.