Founder and CEO Rob Glaser has invested $10 million in RealNetworks as the company moves into facial recognition.
RealNetworks gained fame in the early days of the web for its RealPlayer streaming software. It was one of the first widely available ways of streaming audio and video media, but eventually faced touch competition. While RealNetworks gave away the client player software and plugins for free, it charged for the server software, which companies like Apple and Microsoft gave away.
In recent years, RealNetworks has moved into the facial recognition space with the release of SAFR. The company claims the platform provides the highest accuracy for live video facial recognition, and offers scalability unique in the industry. Glaser’s $10 million investment will likely help the company continue to make headway in what is quickly becoming a competitive market.
“25 years ago I invested $1 million to help create what became RealNetworks,” said Mr. Glaser. “Today I am pleased to invest an additional $10 million of my personal funds into the Company. I am making this investment because I believe the Company has a very promising future ahead of it. I am particularly enthusiastic about Real’s SAFR Computer Vision Platform and GameHouse free-to-play story-based casual games.”