iSIZE Raises $6.3M to Optimize Video Streaming Power Consumption

The Rise of Video Streaming and its Environmental Footprint

The surge in video streaming during pandemic lockdowns is well-documented, providing entertainment for millions. However, this increase inadvertently led to a greater environmental impact due to the escalating power demands of server farms supporting these streams.

Suggestions were even made for viewers to lower their streaming quality to Standard Definition, recognizing that High Definition streaming consumes significantly more resources.

Fortunately, optimizing video itself presents a viable solution, capable of reducing the necessary bitrate and, consequently, the data and energy required for transmission.

A Fictional Precedent: Pied Piper

Interestingly, this concept mirrors the premise of the satirical television series “Silicon Valley.” The show features Pied Piper, a fictional startup that develops a groundbreaking data compression algorithm for video.

What was once a comedic plotline may soon become reality.

iSIZE Secures Funding for Video Optimization

iSIZE, a U.K.-based startup specializing in deep learning-driven video streaming and delivery optimization, has announced a $6.3 million funding round.

This investment was led by Octopus Ventures, with participation from existing investors TD Veen and Patrick Pichette, the current chairman of Twitter and former CFO of Google.

To date, iSIZE has raised a total of $8.2 million.

BitSave Technology: Reducing Bitrate Without Sacrificing Quality

iSIZE’s BitSave technology is designed to optimize video streaming quality while simultaneously lowering bitrate requirements.

This results in a substantial reduction in both data and energy consumption.

The technology is trained to emulate human visual perception, ensuring that the video maintains a high-quality appearance despite the reduced bitrate.

Seamless Integration

BitSave integrates with existing video encoding standards, including AVC, HEVC, and AV1, without necessitating alterations to current streaming processes.

According to iSIZE, platforms like Netflix could implement this solution with relative ease.

The Team Behind iSIZE

Founded by Sergio Grce and Dr. Yiannis Andreopoulos, iSIZE’s team possesses expertise in machine learning, neural networks, and video signal processing.

The company is an alumnus of the Creative Destruction Lab Oxford 2019-2020 program.

Statements from Leadership

Sergio Grce, CEO and founder of iSIZE, stated: “With more people streaming more video than ever before, our customers are recognizing both the commercial benefits and their social responsibility to optimize their video delivery pipelines using our innovative technology.”

In a recent conversation, Mr. Grce elaborated: “The processing focuses on human perception, attempting to replicate how the receiver perceives the content, similar to psycho-visual perception.

This approach saves bitrate while maintaining or even improving the viewing experience on the client device. We are achieving for video what MP3 accomplished for music.”

Octopus Ventures' Perspective

Simon King, partner and deep tech investor at Octopus Ventures, commented: “iSIZE’s technology is truly pioneering and is already being utilized by major global companies to decrease the costs and energy consumption associated with streaming.

As devices continue to upgrade and consumer demand for high-quality video increases, finding new methods to minimize environmental impact becomes crucial.”

Competitive Landscape

iSIZE’s competitors in the video optimization space include Wave 1 and Deep Render.

Echoes of Pied Piper

It’s worth recalling the impressive video compression capabilities demonstrated by Pied Piper in the fictional world of “Silicon Valley.”

The advancements made by iSIZE suggest that the line between fiction and reality is becoming increasingly blurred in the realm of video technology.