SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) has announced a $12.5 million equity investment in Scatterlab, an AI startup known for developing "relationship-oriented" AI agents that can engage in friendly, human-like conversations.
The partnership between the two companies aims to foster close collaboration in all areas of super-scale AI, including developing "emotionally interactive" AI agents and large language models (LLMs) in knowledge and emotion.
Scatterlab's AI agents, such as 'Iruda' and 'Kangdaon,' use deep learning technology to create conversations incorporating empathy, humor, and memory.
As part of the partnership, SK Telecom will invest the funds as redeemable convertible preference shares (RCPS) and acquire an equity stake in Scatterlab.
The companies have agreed to jointly develop an emotional AI agent service with a new persona within the "A." service, an AI agent optimized for personalization.
Scatterlab's emotional conversation technology will be integrated into SK Telecom's "A." services, creating a more human-like AI to better connect with users and alleviate worry and loneliness.
They also plan to collaborate on developing a large language model (LLM) that combines emotional and knowledge domains.
Scatterlab has joined the SK Telecom-led "K-AI Alliance," which includes leading AI technology companies in South Korea, such as Moloco, Bespin Global, SAPEON, Konan Technology, SWIT, and Phantom AI.
The alliance aims to accelerate the transformation of AI and drive innovation across industries by strengthening collaboration with small but strong companies such as Scatterlab.
According to Research and Markets, the conversational AI market is expected to grow from $6.8 billion in 2021 to $18.4 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 21.8%.
Through this collaboration, SK Telecom and Scatterlab aim to advance their technology, including learning super-scale models for 'social AI', and strengthen their position in the global AI market.
US$ 1 = KRW 1,331.58
