Employees at a fast-growing London-based technology company are set for a major financial windfall after an investment deal valued the business at $4 billion (£2.9 billion). Synthesia, a British startup specializing in artificial intelligence video technology, reached the milestone after selling $200 million worth of shares to new investors, including Google Ventures.
The deal positions Synthesia as one of the most valuable private tech firms in the UK. Existing employees will be able to cash out part of their shareholdings, while the funding round significantly boosts the paper wealth of the company’s four co-founders, including CEO Victor Riparbelli, 34.
Founded in 2017, Synthesia develops highly realistic AI avatars used by businesses to produce training, onboarding, and safety videos. The technology allows companies to replace traditional video production, often handled by HR teams, actors, or voice artists, helping reduce costs and speed up content creation.
Riparbelli said AI tools like Synthesia’s can free workers from repetitive tasks and reshape how jobs are performed, rather than simply eliminating them. However, concerns remain that AI video and digital agents could disrupt employment across multiple industries, from acting and voice work to administrative and sales roles.
The latest funding round doubles Synthesia’s valuation from $2 billion last year. In addition to Google Ventures, investors include Evantic, Hedosophia, Nvidia, and several Silicon Valley-based funds. The company has also reportedly drawn acquisition interest in the past from major tech firms such as Meta and Adobe.
Despite being widely viewed as a strong future IPO candidate, Riparbelli has previously suggested that a London stock market listing is not currently attractive, citing broader issues with the UK market.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the deal, calling Synthesia a UK success story that is creating new jobs and opportunities. As global demand for AI-powered tools accelerates, Synthesia’s rapid rise highlights London’s growing role in the international AI economy.