Presentation startup Gamma has acquired Accel-backed design startup Lica to establish its own design research lab. Lica's co-founders, Priyaa Kalyanaraman and Purvanshi Mehta, are set to lead this new effort.
Lica, founded in 2023, initially developed an app converting screenshots and recordings into presentations and videos. In 2024, the company secured $4 million in funding from investors including Accel, South Park Commons, and Village Global. More recently, Lica has concentrated on producing marketing videos for e-commerce sites that adhere to specific brand guidelines.
Priyaa Kalyanaraman stated that Lica aimed to develop AI models for communication methods, including video and design. She noted a shared vision with Gamma's CEO, Lee Grant, regarding making visual communication accessible, and both companies are backed by Accel and South Park Commons. Lee Grant added that Gamma intends to explore various communication formats with the new research division, beyond its current focus on presentations and image generation.
Purvanshi Mehta indicated that the new research division will work on customising the presentation and communication styles of AI models for different audiences. Gamma did not disclose specific products planned from this acquisition but aims to create fluid, multimodal presentations and other communication modalities.