Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice, has now entered the AI industry with the launch of a new platform called Lumi. This subscription-based platform aims to provide tools for storytellers to create, illustrate, publish, and monetize their ideas. Lumi has raised $4 million in funding led by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six and officially went live on July 24. In an interview with TIME, Kaepernick stated that Lumi can be seen as an extension of his activism, aiming to provide access for creators who face barriers in traditional publishing and media channels.
Kaepernick explained that the inspiration for Lumi came from his own experiences building his media and publishing companies, Ra Vision Media and Kaepernick Publishing, respectively. He encountered challenges such as long production timelines, high costs, and creators not having ownership over their work. By utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E, Kaepernick began experimenting with creating content like children’s books and graphic novels, ultimately leading to the development of Lumi. The platform focuses on assisting independent creators in developing hybrid written-illustrated stories, such as comics, graphic novels, and manga.
Although Kaepernick did not disclose the specific foundational models used in Lumi, he highlighted the platform’s goal of empowering creators to share their stories and perspectives that may not have been accessible through traditional publishing channels. By democratizing the storytelling process and providing tools for creators to bypass gatekeeping, Lumi seeks to foster a new world of diverse and unique narratives. Kaepernick emphasized the importance of creators having ownership over their work and the ability to bring their ideas to life without significant barriers.
With the support of Seven Seven Six and other investors, Lumi represents Kaepernick’s continued efforts to make a positive impact through his activism and entrepreneurial endeavors. By leveraging AI technology to streamline the creative process and make storytelling more accessible, Lumi aims to revolutionize the way stories are shared and consumed. Through his work with Lumi and his previous ventures in media and entertainment, Kaepernick demonstrates his commitment to empowering marginalized voices and promoting social change.
In conclusion, Colin Kaepernick’s foray into the AI industry with the launch of Lumi signifies his ongoing dedication to creating opportunities for underrepresented creators and amplifying diverse narratives. By introducing a platform that provides tools and resources for independent storytellers to bring their ideas to life, Kaepernick aims to break down barriers in the publishing industry and foster a more inclusive and equitable creative landscape. Through Lumi, Kaepernick is not only expanding his impact beyond the realm of sports but also paving the way for a new era of storytelling that celebrates the voices and experiences of individuals who have traditionally been marginalized in mainstream media.
