TLDR: Southpole Ltd. has made a strategic pre-seed investment in U.S.-based generative AI company Flux AI, valuing it at US$10 million. As part of the deal, Southpole’s CEO, Julie Jihyun Kang, joins Flux AI’s Board and will lead the newly formed Flux AI Asia, headquartered in Seoul, to accelerate AI adoption across the region.
Southpole Ltd., a forward-thinking venture platform operating at the nexus of artificial intelligence, commerce, and the carbon economy, has announced a significant strategic pre-seed investment in Flux AI, Inc., a U.S.-based generative AI company. The investment values Flux AI at an impressive US$10 million, marking a pivotal moment for both entities.
Central to this new partnership is the appointment of Julie Jihyun Kang, the esteemed Founder and CEO of Southpole, to Flux AI’s Board of Directors. Furthermore, Ms. Kang will assume the role of CEO for the newly established Flux AI Asia, signaling a strong commitment to expanding generative AI capabilities across the Asian market.
Flux AI is the innovative force behind CRAISEE, touted as the world’s first all-in-one generative AI platform. CRAISEE is designed to streamline content creation across various mediums, including text, video, audio, and images, by offering an intuitive and seamless user experience. Its core mission is to empower individuals and teams to fully leverage the potential of generative AI.
Julie Jihyun Kang emphasized the synergy between the two companies’ visions, stating, “Flux AI’s vision goes far beyond developing another technical AI platform—it’s about creating a truly user-centered creative AI ecosystem that integrates seamlessly into everyday life. That mission aligns perfectly with Southpole’s own values. The launch of Flux AI Asia marks a pivotal step in accelerating generative AI adoption across Asia and opening new possibilities for creators, startups, and global brands alike.”
Tim Stickelbrucks, co-founder and CEO of Flux AI, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and Ms. Kang’s new role. “Julie brings an extraordinary record of building successful global ventures and driving innovation at the intersection of technology and creativity. She is the ideal leader to expand CRAISEE into one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Her leadership will be key to establishing a strong foundation for Flux AI in Asia,” said Stickelbrucks.
Ms. Kang is widely recognized as one of Asia’s leading creative executives, with a distinguished career that includes leading global campaigns for prominent brands such as BMW, IKEA, Genesis, SK hynix, Samyang Foods, and Dot Incorporation, a pioneering Korean startup focused on tactile braille innovation through assistive technology. She currently serves as CEO of Serviceplan Korea and continues to redefine the intersection of advertising, technology, and sustainability through her work at Southpole.
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Flux AI Asia will be headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and is poised to become a central hub for product development, go-to-market strategies, and partnership expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move underscores Southpole’s dedication to fostering transformative ventures in AI, the carbon economy, and digital commerce.
