Haiper: Co-Founders Depart to Microsoft, Questions Arise
Portfolio - People | Mar 21, 2025 | Business Cloud
Global tech giant Microsoft has recently appointed Dr. Yishu Miao and Dr. Ziyu Wang, co-founders of the London-based generative AI video startup Haiper, to its technical staff, marking a significant move from the UK company to the software behemoth. This transition, indicated by changes in their LinkedIn profiles, came after the founders led the company through a $15.1 million funding journey, spearheaded by a seed round with Octopus Ventures. Despite the professional shift, the duo is still listed in Companies House as active directors of Haiper, a company known for its pioneering work in AI video innovation. Dr. Miao, with prior entrepreneurial experience including a stint at TikTok, and Dr. Wang, with a background at tech powerhouses like Google Brain, and the UK academic elite, bring a wealth of research excellence to Microsoft's AI team. The unexpected leadership change follows Octopus Ventures partner Rebecca Hunt's exit from the company, prompting discussions regarding Haiper's future direction in the AI landscape.
Sectors
- MediaTech
- Artificial Intelligence
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Haiper is a London-based startup, having operated in the UK's innovative tech ecosystem.
- United States – Microsoft, a U.S.-based multinational technology company, plays a central role in this transition by acquiring talent from Haiper.
Industry
- MediaTech – Haiper operates in the generative AI video industry, contributing to advancements in digital media technology through AI-driven innovations.
- Artificial Intelligence – The focus of Haiper on generative AI places it squarely within the rapidly evolving AI industry, where Microsoft is also heavily invested.
- Venture Capital – The investment activities of Octopus Ventures in Haiper indicate active participation in the venture capital industry, supporting tech startups.
Financials
- 10.8 million – Amount raised by Haiper in a seed round led by Octopus Ventures.
- 15.1 million – Total funding raised by Haiper by the time of the latest round.
- 3.5 million – Haiper's cash position as of 31st July 2024.
- 10.9 million – Haiper's cash position a year before July 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haiper AI | Target Company | Company | A generative AI video platform founded in 2021 by Miao and Wang, now undergoing a leadership transition. |
| Microsoft | Bidding Company | Company | A global leader in technology and software, hiring key AI talent from Haiper. |
| Dr. Yishu Miao | Co-Founder, Technical Staff at Microsoft | Person | Former co-founder of Haiper, now part of Microsoft's technical team with a background in AI and tech leadership. |
| Dr. Ziyu Wang | Co-Founder, Technical Staff at Microsoft | Person | Co-founder of Haiper, now moving to Microsoft, with past experience in AI research at Google Brain and others. |
| Octopus Ventures | Investor | Company | Venture capital firm that led an investment round in Haiper, showcasing its strategic backing of AI innovation. |
| Rebecca Hunt | Former Director, Octopus Ventures Partner | Person | Former partner at Octopus Ventures, instrumental in Haiper's funding efforts before departing. |