Naver D2SF invests in 3D avatar-based communication startup

Naver's startup-nurturing organization, D2 Startup Factory (D2SF), announced on Wednesday its investment in Goodgang Labs, a company focused on developing a 3D avatar-based communication platform.

Goodgang Labs utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to create a "human to avatar" technology that translates the user's facial expressions and movements into a 3D avatar in real time. The company is currently alpha-testing Kikitown, a real-time communication platform that operates on 3D avatars and can be used across multiple devices and operating systems, making it highly scalable.

South Korea's Naver D2SF noted that Goodgang Labs is collaborating with Naver Z, the team behind the metaverse platform "Zepeto," to further develop the avatar technology.

Goodgang Labs CEO Ahn Doo-kyung has a wealth of experience, having previously overseen the Instagram Story platform and led the LINE Foodie service (currently Snow) and various Korean and Japanese products and partnerships at Meta headquarters.

According to Yang Sang-hwan, leader of Naver's D2SF, although the use of avatars is growing in popularity for live broadcasting, video meetings and online events, most services are limited to 2D or simple face coverings.

Goodgang Labs, however, stands out as a startup with exceptional planning and execution skills and promises to provide a new and advanced communication experience through its 3D avatar technology.

Write to Han-Gyeol Seon at always@hankyung.com