Exclusive: Sony Music backs AI rights startup Vermillio
Vermillio, the Chicago-based AI licensing and protection platform, has raised a $16 million Series A co-led by DNS Capital and Sony Music, executives exclusively tell Axios
Why it matters: Sony Music's first investment in AI licensing seeks to protect its artists and support them in responsibly using generative AI tools.
How it works: Vermillio's TraceID tool monitors online content for use of intellectual property, as well as name, image and likeness. The platform can automatically send takedown requests and manage payments for licensed content.
The company charges $4,000 per month for the software and takes a transaction fee for its licensing tool.
Clients include movie studios like Sony Pictures, record labels like Sony Music, talent agencies like WME, as well as individual talent.
With Sony Pictures, Vermillio let fans create AI-generated Spider-Verse characters, and it partnered with The Orb and David Gilmour, alongside Sony Music and Legacy Recordings, on AI tools for creating tracks and artwork inspired by "Metallic Spheres In Colour."
Context: CEO Dan Neely has worked in AI for more than 20 years. The serial entrepreneur sold his last startup, Networked Insights, to American Family Insurance in 2017 and founded Vermillio in 2019.
He says he was inspired to build the "guardrails for generative internet" after seeing the release of deepfake creation software, DeepFaceLab, and rapper Jay-Z's efforts to take down a deepfake of himself.
Flashback: Prior, Vermillio raised $7.5 million in seed funding from angel investors.
Dennis Kooker, president, global digital business at Sony Music Entertainment, says he was introduced to Neely about a year and a half ago and was impressed by his knowledge of and the startup's strategy.
"The first project we did together was a proof of concept with David Gilmore and The Orb to show and highlight that intellectual property and generative AI can work hand in hand," Kooker says. "Training the right way, ethically and principally, can be accomplished."
Zoom out: Some companies like Sony Music are seeking legal action on cases where generative AI impacts the core of IP companies. These companies want to protect and monetize creators and content along with nearly every other aspect of their businesses.
Sony Music, along with Universal Music Group and Warner Records, sued AI startups Suno and Udio for copyright infringement.
But content companies also want to embrace these technologies. Artists can use the tech for their own content creation and for fan engagement.
What's next: Neely says Vermillio plans to expand to sports and work with major sports leagues this year. It's also releasing a free version of the product that shows whether someone is at high or low risk of AI copyright.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
BBC Content Supremo Latest: Banijay UK Boss Patrick Holland Out, Kate Phillips Person To Beat
EXCLUSIVE: We have more on the race to replace Charlotte Moore as the BBC's content supremo. After revealing earlier this month that there were three top contenders for the most powerful creative job in British television, audio, and streaming, Deadline hears one of the trio is now not in the running. More from Deadline BBC Unveils 10-Strong Comedy Slate Featuring Diane Morgan, Michael Palin, Mackenzie Crook, Lenny Rush, Rob Brydon, & Guz Khan BBC's Annual Julia Donaldson Christmas Animation Will Be 'The Scarecrows' Wedding'; Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley & Domhnall Glesson In Voice Cast BBC Drama 'Mr Loverman' Lands U.S. Home At BritBox Industry sources and BBC insiders said Patrick Holland, Banijay UK's executive chairman, is staying put at the French production giant. Holland was considered to be the leading external candidate, even though he told colleagues that he was happy to remain at Banijay UK, where he has been since 2022. BBC sources speculated that salary has been a decisive factor for some external candidates, as the corporation struggles to compete with deep-pocketed commercial counterparts. Moore is paid £468,000 ($628,000). The Holland development, as well Netflix UK chief Anne Mensah ruling herself out, has cemented Kate Phillips' position as the candidate to beat. Phillips, the BBC's unscripted boss and interim chief content officer, has the support of many colleagues at the corporation, while a number of powerful producers are pulling for her to get the job. Sources said Phillips is skillfully caretaking in the content chief role as Moore prepares to leave the BBC's New Broadcasting House headquarters next week. BBC Studios Productions CEO Zai Bennett was thought to be the third strong contender for the job. Others linked include Tom McDonald, the New York-based executive vice president of Nat Geo, and Dan McGolpin, the director of iPlayer and channels. Others have ruled themselves out. This includes Jay Hunt, Apple TV+'s boss in Europe, and Channel 4's content supremo Ian Katz. Sources said Apple executive Alison Kirkham was considered, but is said to be happy in her current role. Liam Keelan, Disney's former EMEA originals chief, is not in the running. Headhunters Grace Blue and Ibison have helped steer the BBC recruitment process, with director general Tim Davie taking a personal interest. Moore is stepping down as chief content officer after four years to join Left Bank Pictures as CEO. She will also oversee international creative output for Sony Pictures Television. Best of Deadline Every 'The Voice' Winner Since Season 1, Including 9 Team Blake Champions Everything We Know About 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' So Far 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Erie Indemnity Stock: Is ERIE Underperforming the Financial Sector?
Erie, Pennsylvania-based Erie Indemnity Company (ERIE) serves as the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers at the Erie Insurance Exchange, which is a reciprocal insurer that writes property and casualty insurance. With a market cap of $16.1 billion, the company provides issuance and renewal services, sales-related services, and underwriting services. Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as 'large-cap' stocks, and Erie Indemnity Company fits this description perfectly. The company offers strong customer service and a regional focus, supporting a network of independent insurance agents and providing a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products. Dear Tesla Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 30 3 ETFs with Dividend Yields of 12% or Higher for Your Income Portfolio Nvidia Is Quickly Approaching a New Record High. Is It Too Late to Buy NVDA Stock? Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! Shares of Erie Indemnity have dipped 36.3% from its 52-week high of $547. ERIE stock has dropped 16.6% over the past three months, lagging behind the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLF) 2.4% increase. In the long term, ERIE stock has dipped 15.4% on a YTD basis, whereas XLF has risen 3.9%. Additionally, over the past 52 weeks, shares of NTAP have decreased 2.3%, underperforming XLF's 21.7% return. The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since late April. Also, despite some fluctuations, the stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since early December last year. Shares of ERIE tumbled 11.5% following the release of its mixed Q1 2025 results on Apr. 24. Driven by a 13.4% increase in management fee revenue and a 29% jump in investment income, its quarterly revenue rose 12.3% from the year-ago quarter to $989.4 million, exceeding Street forecasts. However, EPS came in at $2.65, a 11.3% year-over-year increase, but missed analysts' estimates, which dampened investor sentiment. Compared to its peer, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (WTW) has outpaced ERIE stock. Shares of WTW have declined 5% on a YTD basis and gained 16.5% over the past 52 weeks. Although ERIE has underperformed relative to the sector, analysts are moderately optimistic about its stock's prospects. ERIE has a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' from the two analysts covering the stock, and as of writing, it is trading notably above the mean price target of $73. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How Is Carnival Corporation's Stock Performance Compared to Other Travel Services Stocks?
With a market cap of $27.5 billion, Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is the world's largest cruise company, providing leisure travel experiences across North America, Australia, Europe, and other international markets. Operating under well-known brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard, the company carries nearly half of global cruise guests. Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as 'large-cap' stocks, and Carnival Corporation fits this criterion perfectly, exceeding the mark. It also operates port destinations, hotels, railcars, and motorcoaches to support its cruise and tour offerings. Dear Tesla Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 30 3 ETFs with Dividend Yields of 12% or Higher for Your Income Portfolio Nvidia Is Quickly Approaching a New Record High. Is It Too Late to Buy NVDA Stock? Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! Shares of the Miami, Florida-based company have decreased 16.9% from its 52-week high of $28.72. Shares of Carnival Corporation have increased 12.5% over the past three months, outpacing the Direxion Daily Travel & Vacation Bull 2X Shares' (OOTO) 1.9% rise over the same time frame. Longer term, CCL stock is down 4.3% on a YTD basis, a less pronounced decline than OOTO's 19.3% drop. Moreover, shares of the cruise operator have surged 48.5% over the past 52 weeks, compared to OOTO's 8.9% return over the same time frame. The stock has risen above its 50-day moving average since early May. Despite reporting better-than-expected Q1 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.13 and revenue of $5.8 billion, shares of CCL fell 1.2% on Mar. 21. While operating income nearly doubled year-over-year to $543 million and adjusted EBITDA rose 38.3% to $1.2 billion, the company still holds $27 billion in debt, only slightly down from $27.5 billion the prior quarter. In comparison, rival Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) has lagged behind CCL stock over the past 52 weeks, increasing over 34% over the past 52 weeks. However, BKNG stock has gained 7.2% on a YTD basis, outpacing CCL's performance. Due to the stock's outperformance over the past year, analysts are bullish about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of 'Strong Buy' from the 25 analysts covering the stock, and as of writing, CCL is trading below the mean price target of $28.42. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
