Kaltura, the New York-based AI video platform company, announced the acquisition of eSelf.ai, a cutting-edge AI avatar startup, for approximately $27 million. This strategic move aims to integrate eSelf's advanced generative AI technology into Kaltura’s enterprise video and learning solutions, enhancing interactive and personalized video experiences.
eSelf.ai, founded in 2023 by Dr. Alan Bekker and Eylon Shosh...
eSelf.ai, founded in 2023 by Dr. Alan Bekker and Eylon Shoshan, specializes in creating photorealistic conversational avatars that support over 30 languages. Its proprietary technology includes low-latency speech recognition, speech-to-video generation, screen understanding, and dynamic media sharing. This allows eSelf’s avatars to interact naturally with users, responding intelligently to both speech and visual content on screens. Dr. Bekker, who previously co-founded Voca.ai (acquired by Snap in 2020) and led Snap’s conversational AI efforts, brings deep expertise in speech, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision to eSelf.ai. The startup was recognized by FastCompany in 2025 as one of the "Next Big Things in Tech" and secured $4.5 million in seed funding by the end of 2024[1][2][4].
The acquisition deal, finalized on November 5, 2025, include...
The acquisition deal, finalized on November 5, 2025, includes $7.5 million in cash at closing, $12.5 million in conditional payments over three years, and nearly 4.7 million shares of Kaltura stock, totaling roughly $27 million if performance targets are met. eSelf’s team of around 15 AI specialists will join Kaltura to lead technology integration, with co-founders Bekker and Shoshan overseeing the process. Kaltura plans to embed eSelf’s avatar technology across its AI Video Experience Cloud platform, enabling enterprise customers to deploy interactive, self-service virtual avatars for content creation, video-on-demand, and customer and employee engagement workflows[1][2][3].
Kaltura, publicly traded since 2021 and generating about $18...
Kaltura, publicly traded since 2021 and generating about $180 million in revenue, has a history of strategic acquisitions including Tvinci (2014), Rapt Media (2018), and Newrow (2020). This marks its fourth major acquisition to expand its AI-powered video capabilities. CEO Ron Yekutiel highlighted Bekker’s expertise in conversational AI and computer vision as a key asset in strengthening Kaltura’s leadership in AI video experiences[1].
This acquisition positions Kaltura to capitalize on the grow...
This acquisition positions Kaltura to capitalize on the growing demand for interactive AI-driven video communication and learning tools in the enterprise sector, leveraging eSelf’s innovative avatar technology to deliver more engaging, multilingual, and responsive digital experiences.
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 9:20:47 PM
Kaltura's $27 million acquisition of eSelf, the AI avatar startup founded by Snap's former AI lead Dr. Alan Bekker, is drawing global attention as enterprises from Europe to Asia signal interest in integrating photorealistic, multilingual digital avatars into training and customer service workflows. Industry analysts cite eSelf's support for over 30 languages and its low-latency, screen-responsive AI agents as key drivers for international adoption, with early pilot programs already underway at multinational firms in Germany, Japan, and Brazil. “This marks a turning point for immersive, AI-driven enterprise experiences worldwide,” said Kaltura CEO Ron Yekutiel, noting that eSelf’s technology is expected to accelerate global demand for personalized, automated video interactions.
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 9:30:46 PM
**Kaltura Acquires eSelf for $27M in AI Avatar Deal**
Kaltura, a New York-based AI video platform company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire eSelf.ai, an Israel-based startup specializing in conversational avatars, for approximately $27 million.[1] The deal includes $7.5 million in cash at closing, $12.5 million in conditional cash over three years, and 4.69 million Kaltura shares (about 3% of outstanding shares) vesting over three years, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2025.[3] eSelf was co-founded in 2023
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 9:40:44 PM
Kaltura acquired eSelf.ai, founded by the creator of Snap’s AI, for $27 million on November 5, 2025, including a $7.5 million cash payment at closing and $12.5 million in additional considerations, to enhance its AI avatar capabilities for video platforms[1]. Technically, this acquisition strengthens Kaltura's position in real-time AI avatar generation, leveraging eSelf’s advanced AI-driven avatar creation technology, which complements Kaltura’s AI video experience cloud by enabling more immersive and personalized virtual interactions[1][5]. The deal signals increasing investment in AI avatars that can dynamically simulate human presence, expanding potential applications in immersive video content, virtual events, and digital communication.
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 9:50:44 PM
**BREAKING: Kaltura Bolsters AI Avatar Capabilities with eSelf Acquisition**
Kaltura signed a definitive agreement on November 5th to acquire eSelf.ai for approximately $27 million, significantly strengthening its competitive position in the enterprise AI video space.[1][2] The deal includes $7.5 million in cash at closing, $12.5 million in conditional cash over three years, and 4,690,025 Kaltura shares (roughly 3% of outstanding stock) vesting over three years, with expected close in Q4 2025.[3] eSelf co-founder Dr. Alan Bekker—who previously sold V
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:00:46 PM
Kaltura has signed a definitive agreement to acquire eSelf.ai, the Israel-based avatar startup founded by Alan Bekker—who previously sold voice-based AI company Voca.ai to Snap in 2020—for approximately $27 million in an all-stock and cash deal announced today[1][2]. The acquisition structure includes $7.5 million in cash upon closing, $12.5 million payable over three years contingent on performance milestones, and 4,690,025 Kaltura shares (approximately 3% of outstanding stock) vesting over three years[2]. eSelf's proprietary technology—built by over 15 AI
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:10:44 PM
Kaltura’s $27 million acquisition of Israel-based AI avatar startup eSelf.ai is yielding strong international interest due to its photorealistic avatars supporting over 30 languages, enabling global enterprises to deploy AI-driven virtual agents across markets worldwide[1][2][3]. The deal, closing in Q4 2025, exemplifies cross-border tech synergy as Kaltura plans to integrate eSelf’s avatars into its AI Video Experience Cloud, enhancing digital engagement in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, with eSelf’s team of 15 AI experts joining Kaltura to expand capabilities[1][3]. Industry observers highlight this move as accelerating Kaltura’s transition from enterprise video to immersive AI, reflecting a broader global trend embracing conversational AI technologies developed b
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:20:42 PM
There has been no public regulatory or government response to Kaltura’s acquisition of eSelf.ai for $27 million, and no filings indicate antitrust or national security reviews have been initiated as of November 10, 2025. The deal, which brings together Snap AI creator Dr. Alan Bekker’s avatar technology with Kaltura’s video platform, has not triggered any official statements from U.S. or EU regulators regarding competition or data privacy concerns.
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:30:46 PM
Kaltura’s $27 million acquisition of eSelf.ai, founded by the creator of Snap’s AI, significantly shifts the competitive landscape in the AI avatar market by bolstering Kaltura’s capabilities in generative AI-driven conversational avatars that support over 30 languages. This deal adds eSelf’s 15 AI experts specializing in speech-to-video generation and low-latency speech recognition, enhancing Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud and intensifying competition against other enterprise AI video and avatar platforms. Ron Yekutiel, Kaltura CEO, emphasized acquiring a "very leading company in the area of conversational speech bots," underscoring Kaltura’s strategic move to accelerate its AI-infused virtual agents offerings and deepen market presence[1][2]
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:40:42 PM
**Kaltura Acquires eSelf.ai for $27 Million to Accelerate AI Avatar Capabilities**
Kaltura, Inc. signed a definitive agreement on November 5, 2025, to acquire eSelf.ai, the AI avatar startup co-founded by Dr. Alan Bekker—a former Snap executive who previously led conversational AI efforts at the social media platform—in a deal valued at approximately $27 million.[1][2] The transaction structure includes $7.5 million in cash at closing, $12.5 million in performance-based payments over three years, and 4,690,025 shares of Kaltura stock representing roughly
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 10:50:41 PM
Following Kaltura's announcement of the $27 million acquisition of Snap AI creator's avatar startup eSelf.ai, Kaltura's stock (NASDAQ: KLTR) remained stable, trading at $1.47 per share amid an existing six-month decline of nearly 32%. Market analysts noted that while Kaltura has not been profitable over the past year, its strong cash position supports this strategic move to boost AI avatar capabilities, potentially signaling investor confidence in future growth despite recent stock weakness[2][4]. No immediate surge or drop in stock price was reported post-announcement, suggesting cautious market reactions awaiting integration results.
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 11:00:48 PM
Kaltura has acquired eSelf.ai, the Israeli avatar startup founded by Alan Bekker—creator of Snap’s AI technology—for $27 million, integrating its multilingual, real-time conversational avatars into global enterprise video and learning platforms. The deal, which includes $7.5 million cash upfront, $12.5 million in milestone payments, and 4.69 million Kaltura shares, will bring eSelf’s technology supporting over 30 languages to Kaltura’s international client base, with industry analysts noting the move could reshape how companies deliver AI-driven customer and employee engagement worldwide. FastCompany, which named eSelf one of the “Next Big Things in Tech” in 2025, called the acquisition “
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 11:10:43 PM
**BREAKING: Snap AI Creator's Avatar Startup eSelf Acquired by Kaltura for $27M**
Kaltura, the New York-based AI video platform company with approximately $180 million in annual revenue, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire eSelf.ai, an Israel-based conversational avatar startup founded by Dr. Alan Bekker—who previously sold his voice AI company Voca to Snap in 2020—in a deal valued at roughly $27 million[1]. The acquisition shifts the competitive landscape by consolidating advanced avatar technology into Kaltura's enterprise platform, with the deal structured around 4,690,025 Kaltura shares vesting
🔄 Updated: 11/10/2025, 11:20:42 PM
**Kaltura Acquires eSelf.ai in $27M Strategic Move to Compete in Enterprise Avatar Space**
Kaltura signed a definitive agreement on November 5th to acquire eSelf.ai, the Israel-based avatar startup founded by Dr. Alan Bekker—who previously sold voice AI company Voca to Snap in 2020—for approximately $27 million, consisting of $7.5 million in cash at closing, $12.5 million over three years based on performance milestones, and 4.69 million Kaltura shares representing roughly 3% of outstanding stock[1][2]. The acquisition marks Kaltura's fourth deal to