Pop Star Producer Marc Jordan Bets Big on Hyderabad AI Startup Ikonz Studios

A Hyderabad tech startup just landed a major coup. Ikonz Studios, which makes freakishly lifelike AI avatars, has snagged investment from Marc Jordan - the guy behind hits for Beyonce and Rihanna.

It's Jordan's first bet on Indian tech, and he's not alone. Some serious muscle joins him: Expedia's tech boss Ramana Thummu and big-time investors Madhusudan Kela and Akash Bhanshali from Enam Group.

While Ikonz is tight-lipped about the money, insiders say the company's now worth about $80 million. Not bad for a startup that kicked off just two years ago.

The cash injection couldn't come at a better time. Ikonz is ready to go on a hiring spree, looking to jump from 34 to 100 people. Most will work from India, with a more minor team in the States. They're also hungry to snap up more digital properties here and overseas.

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, Ikonz has been turning heads since 2021 with AI avatars and holograms that are so real they'll make you double-take. With this new backing, they won't slow down anytime soon.