Two former Microsoft employees are on a mission to simplify the process of creating professional product and tutorial videos. Their startup, Lica, is turning screen recordings and screenshots into polished videos using AI technology.
Backed by a $4 million seed round led by Accel, the founders aim to transform how businesses create engaging visual content.
Meet the Founders Behind Lica
Priyaa Kalyanaraman and Purvanshi Mehta bring a wealth of experience to the table. Kalyanaraman, a former product manager at Microsoft, Snap, and Waymo, worked on integrating AI into tools like PowerPoint and Microsoft Designer.
Mehta, a former Microsoft data scientist, specialized in content personalization. Their shared vision: build an intuitive video storytelling tool that’s accessible to businesses and individuals alike.
Kalyanaraman’s journey began during a hackathon, where she developed a demo that caught the eye of Replit CEO Amjad Masad. Mehta was simultaneously exploring tools for personalized content. A mutual connection introduced them, and their collaboration quickly gained traction.
Why Lica Stands Out
Creating professional videos has traditionally been costly and time-consuming, with many businesses relying on external agencies.
Tools like Loom and Zoom recordings help, but they often require significant manual editing. Lica fills this gap by offering a streamlined process powered by advanced AI.
- What Lica Does:
- Converts screenshots and screen recordings into explainer or tutorial videos.
- Automatically adds transitions, background music, and effects.
- Allows users to customize narration, tone, and visual elements with AI prompts.
For example, users can prompt Lica with instructions like, “Create a Gen Z-styled tutorial video,” and the tool adjusts the video’s language, tone, and design accordingly.
The Technology Behind Lica
Lica uses a combination of AI models to achieve its results:
- Orchestration Models: Assemble components like narration, screen layouts, and transitions.
- Design Models: Ensure aesthetic appeal, even when users input unconventional design choices.
- Hybrid AI Models: A mix of open-source and proprietary tools for tasks like audio generation.
Features Designed for Ease and Flexibility
Lica’s editing tools allow users to tweak videos post-generation. Want a different voiceover tone? Need to refine captions or adjust music? Lica’s AI adapts in real time.
The free tier includes:
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- Up to 10 videos (3 minutes each)
- Three downloads per month
The premium tier ($49/month) offers:
- Unlimited videos up to 10 minutes
- Branded templates
- Ten monthly downloads
Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Tutorials
While Lica currently focuses on tutorial and product videos, the founders are already eyeing new horizons. They plan to adapt their AI for:
- Marketing videos
- Social media content
- Investor pitches
This flexibility positions Lica as a versatile tool for professionals in sales, customer success, and beyond.
Competing in an Evolving Market
Although Lica doesn’t face direct competition, several AI-driven platforms like D-ID and Synthesia are making waves with features like avatar-based tutorials. However, Lica’s emphasis on user-driven customization sets it apart.
Accel’s Sameer Gandhi praised Lica’s unique blend of intuitive design and advanced AI, highlighting the team’s deep expertise as a key advantage.
Making Video Creation Accessible to All
Lica’s AI-powered platform isn’t just about saving time – it’s about empowering users to share their ideas effectively. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a corporate product team, Lica simplifies the once-daunting process of creating professional-quality videos.
With strong backing and innovative features, Lica is poised to become a go-to tool for anyone looking to elevate their video content game.
