Los Angeles-based artificial intelligence startup Moonvalley has secured an additional $43 million in venture funding, according to a recent SEC filing. Although the filing identifies eleven investors, none were explicitly named. A company spokesperson clarified that the listed amount is not yet finalized, noting that the official funding total will be confirmed publicly in the next few weeks.
This latest round comes shortly after Moonvalley introduced “Marey,” its inaugural AI-powered video generating model. Marey, crafted through a collaboration with AI animation studio Asteria, distinguishes itself by delivering high-definition video outputs up to 30 seconds in duration and features extensive customization capabilities, including precise control over camera movements and animation details. Moonvalley claims that this new model carries fewer legal risks compared to competing platforms, as it relies primarily on licensed datasets and cooperative licensing arrangements.
Previously, the startup raised a substantial $70 million seed round, attracting noted venture firms including General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Bessemer Ventures.
Moonvalley emerges in an increasingly crowded and fiercely competitive AI video-generating sector. Diverse offerings from startups such as Runway and Luma, as well as heavyweight entrants like OpenAI and Google, mean nearly undifferentiated products flooding the market. While many rivals openly use publicly available data—often encountering copyright-related disputes—Moonvalley differentiates itself by proactively procuring licensed content from creators, a tactic similar to Adobe’s acquisition strategy for their generative AI products.
The accelerating proliferation of generative AI video tools has stirred pronounced anxiety among filmmakers and creators, given the looming possibility of severe industry disruptions. An industry study published in 2024 by the Animation Guild projects upwards of 100,000 American film, TV, and animation roles impacted by AI developments by 2026.
Acknowledging these concerns, Moonvalley plans robust safeguards: creators can request their materials to be excluded from datasets, users can control and delete their data at will, and the company will offer indemnity to protect customers against copyright infringement claims. Additionally, Moonvalley intends to maintain stringent controls preventing uses of the technology for non-approved, unsafe, or unauthorized scenarios—including generating content featuring the likenesses of celebrities or specific individuals.
