[SeoulTech x Dong-A.com Joint Planning] Seoul National University of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as SeoulTech) operates various support programs to aid the growth of startups, including preliminary and early-stage startup packages, makerspaces, and global collaboration. Furthermore, in partnership with Dong-A.com, it provides global news to assist startups in overseas promotion and expansion, introducing promising deep-tech startups both domestically and internationally.
"The most opaque part of the model recruitment process is the estimate. The amount paid by the client can be more than three times what the model actually receives. Just as Airbnb connects travelers and hosts, I thought creating a platform to connect agencies and models would be reasonable for everyone. This is the beginning of Spotlight Global."
She continued, "Then, my husband, who worked in top management worldwide, including IMG Models, for over 10 years, expressed difficulties regarding the structural problems of the modeling industry. Despite working in numerous cities such as the U.S., Europe, Korea, China, and Thailand, the recruitment or contract process was opaque and inefficient in any country.
Additionally, as this problem was likely to be inherited unless resolved, it was selected as a business item."
Why Is the 'Model Employment' Process Considered Opaque?
Domestically, there are no competitors for model recruitment platforms, while overseas competitors include Newbook, Casting Networks, and Swipecast. CEO Hanna Choi emphasized the differentiation by stating, "Overseas services do not reflect the structure of exclusive contracts between existing model management and individual models. Since management cannot join to manage affiliated models, there is room for issues such as non-exclusive contracts or legal problems. In contrast, Spotlight Global values collaboration with management, with over 40 managements, including Want Management, participating domestically and internationally."
Support for freelancers and individual models is also not overlooked. CEO Hanna Choi added, "If you can prove a portfolio of more than 10 commercial shoot results, your registration will be approved. Size, race, and age do not matter, but it is important to be an adult and prove your experience."
Adoption of AWS for Global Service, Adding Trust to the Entire Service
As the basic goal is global model service, the service is being built on AWS Cloud from January 2024. Spotlight Global has three full-stack developers and adopted AWS services to implement a service that searches for models based on natural language. There was also a calculation that they could receive help from AWS in startup support and securing global sales channels.
Additionally, support is received through AWS Jungle, AWS's global corporate collaboration program. CEO Hanna Choi said, "We are building a search base with SageMaker (machine learning construction service). During this process, AWS Solutions Architects visited to consult on the service, and research and development are underway with financial support." Furthermore, the host institution, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, also smoothly supports administrative support related to fund execution, provides promotional opportunities for companies considering entering the U.S., and connects them with investors, among others. Completing the Platform This Year, Expanding Business Areas Next Year
She continued, "After attracting seed investment in February last year, we also received bridge investment. In the second quarter of next year, we plan to attract investment in the U.S. The philosophy of Spotlight Global is 'Protect human creativity.' Although governments are only now starting to protect biometric data, many models' photos or videos are already being used without permission for AI training. We aim to move beyond the model platform business to protect transparency and the industry of the entire model business."
IT Dong-A Nam Si-hyun Reporter (sh@itdonga.com)
AI-translated with ChatGPT. Provided as is; original Korean text prevails.
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