[AI Revolution](52) "Product Photography, Solve It with 'DrapArt' Without Going to a Studio"

Drap Signs Contracts with Coupang, Olive Young, and Others
Expands Service for Small Businesses and Solo Sellers with Proprietary Generative AI Service 'DrapArt'

Former Samsung Electronics developer, raised 1 billion KRW in investment within a month of founding, signed a contract with e-commerce company Coupang, a company generating sales through artificial intelligence (AI).

These are the phrases that describe the startup 'Draph,' established in March last year. CEO Joo-wan Lee of Draph said, "I wanted to create a profitable AI company like Microsoft (MS), which makes money through various software," and his dream is gradually coming true.

Original photo of the product (top left) and images with background corrections using Drap Art
[Photo by Drap]

Draph offers the 'DraphArt' service, which generates product photos based on its self-developed generative AI model. CEO Lee explained, "As the online shopping market grows rapidly, I realized that the product image photography market remains at an analog level." Taking product photos requires hiring photographers and renting studios, costing over 1 million KRW, and preparing props and post-processing takes a considerable amount of time. There was also the problem that it was difficult to undo even if the final result was unsatisfactory. CEO Lee said, "By using DraphArt, even simple shots taken in the office can produce professional-level images."

The generative AI technology used in DraphArt is broadly divided into 'composition' and 'generation.' When users upload an original photo, a background with the desired concept is created with just a few clicks. First, AI technology extracts the product area from the original photo, then either composites a background that matches the extracted product and the user's desired concept and mood or generates a new background with AI. Similar to ChatGPT, where an AI chatbot answers user questions, DraphArt creates product photos that match the concept and mood input by the user. In December last year, Draph provided a pilot service to about 500 companies, resulting in successful B2B contracts with Coupang, CJ Olive Young, Charancha, and others.

However, Draph has established a principle of not altering the product's appearance with AI technology. No matter how beautifully the product's exterior is enhanced, if customers are disappointed upon receiving the actual item, it ultimately leads to returns and negative consequences.

Lee Joo-wan, CEO of Drep

Recently, DraphArt service has been expanded so that not only B2B but also small business owners and individual sellers who want to create product photos can use it. CEO Lee said, "It has become possible to efficiently and quickly upload multiple products online," adding, "Through DraphArt, the cost of photo production is up to 700 KRW per image, and it only takes 30 seconds." They are also running an event where online seller verification allows users to generate 10 AI images for free.

Draph's AI technology competitiveness and growth potential were recognized early on. Within a month of founding, they raised about 1 billion KRW in pre-seed investment from KB Investment and others. They were selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' TIPS program last year and won an excellence award at the 'K-Global Startup Competition' hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT. CEO Lee stated, "This year's goal is to secure 10 major clients," and added, "In the future, we want to expand the service into a branding solution that creates not only product images but also 'lookbooks' that reveal the brand's identity and value."