Biography of George Tharian: Founder and CEO of FUTR Studios- Entrepreneur
Biography of George Tharian:
FUTR Studios is an innovative startup that focuses on
creating virtual influencers in India. Founded by George Tharian and Himanshu
Goel, the company is dedicated to using advanced CGI and AI technology to
develop virtual personalities like Kyra, India's first virtual influencer. With
its cutting-edge approach, FUTR Studios aims to revolutionize the way brands
engage with audiences through digital characters. The company’s ultimate goal
is to build a sustainable ecosystem where virtual influencers drive significant
value for businesses.
Background and Founding Vision
The concept of FUTR Studios was born out of the founders'
passion for technology and digital media. George Tharian, an engineer and
marketing graduate from MICA Ahmedabad, and Himanshu Goel, a post-graduate in
marketing, wanted to combine their expertise to create a unique offering in the
influencer space. Their vision was to bridge the gap between technology and
marketing by offering businesses a powerful tool to connect with consumers in
an engaging way. This led them to create Kyra, a digital influencer who could
interact with audiences just like a human.
Kyra: India’s First Virtual Influencer
Kyra, the star product of FUTR Studios, quickly gained
attention as India's first-ever virtual influencer. She has already built a
substantial following on Instagram, with over 250,000 followers, by engaging
with users through content that blends fashion, lifestyle, and tech. Kyra’s
success serves as proof of the growing demand for virtual influencers who can
seamlessly integrate into marketing strategies. Kyra's presence is an exciting
breakthrough in India's influencer culture, which has traditionally been
dominated by real human influencers.
The Role of AI and CGI in FUTR Studios
At the core of FUTR Studios' operations is its use of
AI-powered tools and CGI technology. These technologies enable the creation of
highly realistic and interactive virtual characters. The company doesn’t just
stop at creating virtual personalities; it also provides tech solutions like
website design, IT services, and digital content creation. The aim is to offer
a holistic approach to digital marketing by blending technology with creative
content to generate significant brand value.
The Shark Tank Pitch
In Season 3 of Shark Tank India, FUTR Studios made its
pitch, seeking ₹1 crore for 2.5% equity at a business valuation of ₹40 crore.
The founders were looking to expand their reach and grow Kyra’s presence in the
digital world. They envisioned a future where virtual influencers could not
only drive brand campaigns but could also be licensed for use in virtual
reality (VR), gaming, and other tech applications. The pitch was a bold attempt
to highlight the potential of virtual influencers in modern marketing strategies.
Sharks’ Feedback on Innovation and Engagement
The Sharks, however, were skeptical about some aspects of
FUTR Studios’ pitch. Aman Gupta, one of the investors, rejected the offer
because he didn’t find enough innovation in the idea. He pointed out that
virtual influencers, like Kyra, could easily be replaced or fall into obscurity
if not continuously updated with new creative ideas. He felt the company lacked
a sustainable source of creativity that would keep Kyra relevant in the long
run.
Concerns Over Character Development
Namita Thapar, another Shark, also turned down the
investment, citing the underdeveloped personality of Kyra. She explained that
while Kyra had the potential to be a popular influencer, her character needed
to be more developed to build a stronger emotional connection with the
audience. Without a well-defined personality, Kyra risked being seen as just
another influencer, lacking the depth required to maintain long-term
engagement.
Vineeta Singh’s Concerns on Business Progress
Vineeta Singh, a Shark with a deep understanding of
brand-building, rejected the pitch for another reason. She felt that the
business was still in its early stages and lacked direction. According to her,
the company had not yet shown clear progress toward its vision, and the
founders had not effectively communicated how they would scale the business.
This made it difficult for her to invest in a business that seemed to be
struggling with its strategy.
Lack of Clarity in Vision and Market Strategy
Anupam Mittal, another Shark, echoed similar concerns,
stating that the founders had not yet solidified their vision. He pointed out
that the market strategy seemed unclear, and that the company's strengths were
being outsourced, which undermined the overall concept. He believed that FUTR
Studios needed to develop a more coherent and focused vision before it could
attract serious investors.
The Future of FUTR Studios
Despite the Sharks' reluctance to invest, the founders of
FUTR Studios remain optimistic about the company’s future. They are focused on
refining their product and solidifying their vision. The company plans to
leverage its first-mover advantage in the virtual influencer market to increase
brand recognition and engagement. FUTR Studios is also working to develop more
in-house content, ensuring that it does not rely heavily on outsourcing in the
future.
Strengths of FUTR Studios
FUTR Studios has several key strengths that can propel it
forward in the virtual influencer industry. One of its biggest advantages is
being the first company in India to focus on creating virtual influencers. This
gives the company a unique position in the market and allows it to build its
brand with minimal competition. Additionally, the use of AI and CGI gives FUTR
Studios the ability to create highly engaging and interactive content, which is
a significant draw for businesses looking to reach digital-savvy audiences.
Biography of George Tharian: Founder and CEO of FUTR Studios- Entrepreneur/ digital marketing/age/net worth/investor/shark tank/FUTR Studios/George Tha
Challenges and Weaknesses
However, the company faces several challenges that it needs
to address to succeed in the long run. One of the main weaknesses highlighted
by the Sharks was the underdeveloped personality of Kyra, which could limit her
appeal to a broader audience. Additionally, the early-stage nature of the
business means that the founders need to clarify their vision and market
strategy. Without a clear direction, it will be difficult for FUTR Studios to
establish itself as a long-term player in the virtual influencer space.
Feedback from Sharks and Areas for Improvement
The Sharks provided valuable feedback, stressing the
importance of innovation, consistent creativity, and character development.
They also highlighted the need for a solid go-to-market strategy. The feedback
emphasized that without continuous innovation and a clearly defined brand
personality, virtual influencers like Kyra might struggle to maintain relevance
in the competitive world of digital marketing.
Building a Stronger Brand Identity
Moving forward, FUTR Studios plans to work on enhancing
Kyra’s personality and engagement with her audience. By focusing on
storytelling and developing a more relatable character, the company hopes to
increase its follower base and improve brand engagement. The founders also
recognize the importance of innovation and plan to stay ahead of the curve by
regularly updating their content and creative strategies.
Long-Term Vision for FUTR Studios
The long-term vision for FUTR Studios is to become a global
leader in the virtual influencer space. By expanding the use of virtual
influencers in various industries such as gaming, VR, and digital marketing,
FUTR Studios aims to revolutionize how brands interact with consumers. The
company is also focused on developing new virtual characters and building its
portfolio of digital assets that can be licensed to businesses worldwide.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
FUTR Studios’ journey is still in its early stages, and
while the company has made impressive strides in creating India’s first virtual
influencer, there is still much work to be done. The feedback from the Sharks
highlighted several areas for improvement, including character development,
innovation, and a solid go-to-market strategy. However, with a clear vision, a
commitment to creativity, and a focus on building its brand, FUTR Studios has
the potential to become a significant player in the virtual influencer market.
As they refine their approach, the future of the company looks promising, and
they are poised to carve a niche in this exciting new industry.
A timeline for FUTR Studios:
Pre-2021 – George Tharian and Himanshu Goel found FUTR
Studios, driven by their passion for combining technology with marketing. They
aim to create virtual influencers using AI and CGI technology to revolutionize
digital marketing in India.
2021 – The company launches Kyra, India’s first virtual
influencer, who gains significant popularity on Instagram, attracting over
250,000 followers with content focusing on fashion, lifestyle, and tech.
2021 – FUTR Studios makes its pitch on Shark Tank India
(Season 3), seeking ₹1 crore for 2.5% equity. The pitch highlights their vision
of virtual influencers driving brand campaigns and becoming assets for VR,
gaming, and tech applications.
2021 – The Sharks provide feedback, with concerns raised
about the lack of Kyra’s personality development, innovation in the business
model, and the unclear market strategy. Despite this, the Sharks acknowledge
the potential of the virtual influencer market.
2022 – Post-Shark Tank, the company focuses on refining
Kyra's character, expanding its virtual influencer capabilities, and creating
more in-house content to reduce reliance on outsourcing.
2023 and Beyond – FUTR Studios works on solidifying its
brand identity, increasing Kyra's engagement, and exploring new virtual
characters. The company aims to expand its presence globally, with a focus on
gaming, VR, and digital marketing industries.
2024 – FUTR Studios strives to become a global leader in
virtual influencers, providing digital assets that brands can license across
multiple industries, thereby revolutionizing the way brands engage with
consumers.
