Earlier this year, former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick launched his AI startup, Lumi. Kaepernick has had thousands of stories written about him, and he knows a thing or two about losing control of his narrative. Now with Lumi, he’s trying to help creators take control of their own narratives, offering AI tools to write and take ownership of their stories.
We’re thrilled to welcome Kaepernick to the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco, where we’ll discuss his run-ins with the media industry, the problems creators face today, and how Lumi is trying to empower its storytellers. We’ll also discuss how Kaepernick’s company is addressing the biases that plague AI models throughout the tech industry.
While many of us know Kaepernick for his Super Bowl XLVII performance or his kneel to protest racial injustice, you may be surprised to know that he’s been quietly angel investing in Silicon Valley startups since 2017. He previously told TechCrunch he has more than 50 investments to date.
He’s also become a well-rounded media executive over the last decade. The former NFL quarterback founded and runs Kaepernick Media and Kaepernick Publishing, where he sees the media industry’s deeply entrenched problems firsthand. He also sits on the board of Medium alongside a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz, who Kaepernick calls a mentor in navigating Silicon Valley.
Lumi tries to give creators more tools that were previously only available through big media companies. The startup is starting by focusing on the world of Japanese comic books, also known as manga. Some of Lumi’s tools use AI, helping storytellers with the ideation process, writing, and generating images of characters. Other tools don’t involve AI, such as publishing resources and merchandising assistance. Kaepernick also describes Lumi’s platform as a destination, where viewers can come to browse through content from a diverse group of creators.
It’s a broad and ambitious idea from someone with experience inside and outside the media industry. We’ll ask him all about how these plans are going.
Don’t miss it!
You definitely won’t want to miss it. Join over 10,000 startup, tech, and VC leaders at Disrupt 2024, where you’ll engage in inspiring conversations with industry giants like Kaepernick. Secure your tickets now before prices increase at the door.
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