Colin Kaepernick wants to use AI to get your comic book to the endzone

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has launched a new startup called Lumi, designed to assist creators in completing, publishing, and selling books and comics using AI tools. Lumi aims to bridge skill gaps by providing services like illustration for writers or dialogue composition for comic artists. The platform also supports creators with marketing and distribution, catering to those who might lack these skills. Lumi's initial focus is on comic books and graphic novels, leveraging a subscription fee business model. A significant issue not fully addressed by Lumi is ownership and copyright, particularly given the U.S. Copyright Office's (USCO) reluctance to grant copyright to AI-generated content. Despite this, Lumi promotes the idea that AI can democratize publishing by reducing production costs and barriers, a reflection of Kaepernick's own struggles in the publishing world. He previously founded Kaepernick Publishing to overcome these challenges. Kaepernick emphasizes that Lumi removes the dependency on traditional gatekeepers, enabling creators to focus on their work and decide their collaboration terms. This autonomy is seen as essential for a diverse and dynamic creative landscape. The startup has garnered $4 million in venture capital, led by Alexis Ohanian's firm, Seven Seven Six, giving Kaepernick some leeway to develop his vision despite potential copyright hurdles.