Berlin, September 25th, 2025 – AI video pioneer simpleshow announced its sale to D-ID, the leading platform for the generation of digital humans. Operating under the D-ID brand, the newly formed joint company is set to revolutionize enterprise communication through the power of conversational visual agents, immediately assuming a leading position in the Enterprise AI Video and Interactive Avatar markets.
The combined company unites D-ID’s cutting-edge interactive AI visual agents and AI avatar technologies with simpleshow’s industry-leading explainer video maker. It will offer the most comprehensive, enterprise-grade platform for human-like, two-way video communication.
Drake Star acted as the exclusive financial advisor to simpleshow on this transaction.
With over 15 years of experience in AI-driven video creation, simpleshow serves a global enterprise customer base of more than 1,500 corporate clients, predominantly Fortune companies. Combining this expertise with D-ID’s pioneering real-time avatar technology will enable companies to deploy fully digital employees across a wide range of corporate functions.
Whether it’s a sales development representative, product expert, trainer, coach, or HR onboarding assistant – enterprises receive interactive, personalized avatars that can engage in two-way conversations, perform actions (agentic capabilities), answer questions in real-time, conduct role-playing, and deliver hyper-personalized content. The solution is scalable, multilingual, secure, and easy to integrate into existing workflows.
"At the heart of this partnership are shared values – simplicity, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering enterprise communication. D-ID and simpleshow complement each other perfectly: real-time avatar technology meets strength in scalable video creation. Together, we’re unlocking powerful new possibilities for our clients by combining intuitive storytelling with the next generation of digital human interaction," says Karsten Boehrs, CEO of simpleshow. "Thank you to Julian Riedlbauer and the entire Drake Star team for your expert guidance and hard work throughout this sale process – your consistent support made this successful outcome possible."
"Our vision is to make corporate communication more human, scalable, and efficient," says Gil Perry, CEO and co-founder of D-ID. "By combining the two companies’ tech stacks and providing simpleshow’s clients with advanced AI solutions, we are well-positioned to lead the Interactive Digital Human market."
"We’ve backed D-ID from the very beginning because of their rare combination of deep talent, cutting-edge technology, and bold vision. With the acceleration of AI, the company is well poised to capture the opportunity to be the go to video platform. This combination brings together the industry’s best realtime digital humans with the most trusted enterprise storytelling engine," said Manish Agarwal, General Partner at AVP. "It’s rare to see two tech stacks snap together this cleanly, and even rarer to combine complementary customer bases. We’re excited to continue to support a world-class team that’s redefining how businesses communicate and engage in the AI era."
Ansgar Gruendler, Head of DACH Region at Tata Communications, comments: "simpleshow has been a trusted partner for years in creating engaging animated learning content. We had an early look at the new joint solution – and we’re genuinely impressed. Combining easy-to-digest videos with real-time interaction helps us stay ahead in AI-driven process optimization and supports faster growth across our teams."
"At Microsoft, we see potential in the acquisition of simpleshow by D-ID," said Annie Pearl, CVP and GM, Azure Experiences and Ecosystems, Microsoft. "The integration of D-ID’s advanced visual agents with simpleshow’s streamlined video creation platform creates a powerful, enterprise-grade solution, all backed by the security and scale of Azure."
"We are proud to have advised on this transformative combination and would like to thank the D-ID and simpleshow teams for their trust and outstanding collaboration throughout the process. The combined company unites cutting-edge interactive AI visual agents and AI avatar technologies with an industry-leading explainer video maker, creating the most comprehensive, enterprise-grade platform for human-like, two-way video communication. By leveraging technological excellence, a commitment to security and ethics, a robust client base, and partnerships with industry giants, the joint company is set to deliver the user interface for the AI age," said Julian Riedlbauer, Partner at Drake Star and deal team lead.
The acquisition positions D-ID as a global leader in the rapidly expanding $50 billion digital human market. By leveraging technological excellence, a commitment to security and ethics, a robust client base, and partnerships with industry giants, the joint company will provide the UI for the AI age. The companies expect to complete the merger in Q4 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Drake Star deal team: Julian Riedlbauer, Anton Donauer, Jan Ceko, Jonas Kerkow
For further inquiries, please contact:
Julian Riedlbauer
Partner, Drake Star
julian.riedlbauer@drakestar.com
About Simpleshow
simpleshow is the global player in AI-based explainer video creation. Based in Berlin, simpleshow helps companies in over 70 countries simplify complex messages through smart, scalable video communication.
For more information, visit: www.simpleshow.com.
About D-ID
D-ID powers hyper-realistic digital humans to serve as dynamic interfaces for Large Language Models and autonomous agents, revolutionizing AI-driven communication with secure, enterprise-grade solutions.
For more information, visit: www.d-id.com.
About Drake Star
Drake Star is an award-winning global tech investment bank that has completed over 500 transactions since 2003. The Drake Star global team of experienced professionals and senior advisors across offices in New York, Munich, London, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, HR Tech, Digital Services, FinTech, Digital Media, Industrial Tech, Consumer & Retail Tech and Mobility & Sustainability.
Drake Star is the marketing name for the global investment bank Drake Star Partners Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates. In the USA, all securities are transacted through Drake Star Securities LLC. In the USA, Drake Star Securities LLC is regulated by FINRA and is a member of SIPC. Drake Star UK Limited (FRN 942020) is an appointed representative of Razlin Ltd (FRN 730805), which is authorized and regulated by the FCA. This testimonial was given by a client. The testimonial is no guarantee of future performance or success. This is not a paid testimonial and no material conflicts of interest exist between the person(s) providing the testimonial and Drake Star. © 2024 Drake Star Partners Limited.
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