Cheehoo
Overview
Cheehoo is an AI-enabled animation startup founded by notable industry figures, including former DreamWorks Animation President Chris deFaria, and Rideback’s Co-CEOs Michael LoFaso and Jonathan Eirich. Based in Los Angeles, the company leverages AI to streamline animation production, aiming to democratize the animation process by making it faster and more cost-effective. Founded out of the production company Rideback, Cheehoo has rapidly gained attention for its innovative use of artificial intelligence in animation.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: Cheehoo raised $10 million in funding, led by Greycroft, with significant participation from Point72 Ventures, Basis Set, Headline Asia, and several other investors. This funding round will support developing their AI-driven animation tools, aiming to streamline complex animation workflows and make high-quality animation accessible to more creators.
- April 2025: The beta version of Cheehoo's AI platform was launched. This platform integrates seamlessly with industry-standard tools like Maya and Unreal Engine, offering artists AI-assisted capabilities for faster creation and iteration of animations.
- April 2025: Animation Magazine featured Cheehoo as a leading innovator in AI-enabled animation, spotlighting its mission to empower artists with AI tools while allowing them to retain creative control over their projects.
- April 2025: Forbes highlighted Cheehoo's strategic use of AI to reduce the costs and time associated with animation production. The company creates proprietary 3D assets, thereby avoiding legal issues related to data use and ensuring clear ownership for its users.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | Unknown |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Founders | Chris deFaria, Michael LoFaso, Jonathan Eirich, Dan Lin, Yao-Hung Hubert Tsai, Wei-Cheng Kuo |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Greycroft, Point72 Ventures, Basis Set, Headline Asia |
| Industry | Animation, AI Technology |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
Cheehoo was incubated from Rideback, known for successful franchises such as "The LEGO Movie." The startup was created to address the growing demand for faster and more cost-effective animation production. Drawing upon the expertise of its founders, who brought together experience from Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Cheehoo established itself as a significant player in the AI animation field. The company's unique blend of entertainment and technological innovation has provided it with a solid foundation to revolutionize animation workflows.
Company Profile and Achievements
Cheehoo operates with a vision to provide artists and intellectual property holders with tools that blend AI efficiency with artistic integrity. The company's business model is centered around providing a modular AI platform that helps streamline various stages of animation production, such as prototyping, data annotation, and character design.
- 2019: Officially established under the mentorship of Rideback.
- 2025: Received $10 million in funding to accelerate its AI solutions.
- AI Innovations: Developed proprietary 3D models and a unique platform architecture that supports toggling AI features on/off, enabling creators to maintain control over the creative process.
- Industry Integration: Achieved compatibility with major animation software tools, facilitating easy adoption by traditional studios and indie creators alike.
Current Operations and Market Position
Cheehoo currently targets both enterprise-level studios and independent producers, helping create high-quality animations more efficiently. By focusing on a "creative engine" approach, the company places a strong emphasis on reducing production costs and iteration times. Despite facing competition from companies like Cartwheel and Cinamon that also aim to simplify animation production, Cheehoo's mix of AI technologies and industry insight helps maintain its competitive edge. It plans to roll out more consumer-focused products to democratize access to professional animation tools.
Conclusion
Cheehoo stands at the intersection of technology and creativity, aiming to revolutionize how animated content is created and consumed. With the backing of several high-profile investors and a strong team of industry veterans, the company has made significant strides in the animation industry. Cheehoo's potential to transform animation workflows offers a glimpse into a future where high-quality animation can be produced more efficiently and affordably, allowing more storytellers to bring their visions to life.