Collective Artists Network Uses AI to Scale Content

Collective Artists Network (CAN) is overhauling how it makes content by using artificial intelligence. The goal is not just better efficiency, but creating massive amounts of content, especially in fantasy and mythology genres. CEO Vijay Subramaniam calls it "hardcore engineering, not mindless prompting," aiming to make content creation more accessible and avoid the high costs of traditional big productions. CAN created its AI studio, Galleri5, by acquiring a deep-tech company to lead this effort.

AI Drives Efficiency, Growth, and Funding

CAN's AI focus is driving its financial results and market position. The company reported ₹423 crore in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, showing a 56% compound annual growth rate. Valued at an estimated ₹862 crore as of March 2026, its growth is backed by $16.5 million in funding from investors like Glance and Nepean Capital, with Nikhil Kamath also participating. This financial strength supports expansion into Dubai and Southeast Asia. AI efficiencies are projected to cut production costs by 60-70% and shorten project timelines from weeks to days, allowing ambitious projects like "Mahabharata" and "Hanuman" to be made by smaller, focused teams.

India's AI Media Market and CAN's Place

CAN is active in India's fast-changing media and entertainment sector, which is increasingly adopting AI. The Indian Generative AI in Media and Entertainment market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 38.62% between 2025 and 2035. This growth is driven by demand for better, personalized content on digital and streaming platforms. While CAN's AI tools are private, the industry uses tools like Runway.ml, Claude, and Gemini for content creation and visual effects. Competitors in influencer marketing include Gushcloud and Samy for Brands. CAN aims to build a full platform for creators, not just manage talent, fitting the industry trend toward structured, tech-powered content.

AI Risks: Copyright, Saturation, and Internal Challenges

Using AI for content creation comes with major risks. A key issue is potential copyright infringement and plagiarism. AI models learn from massive datasets that often include copyrighted material, which can result in outputs that are unintentionally similar to existing works. This creates complex legal questions about ownership and could lead to expensive lawsuits. Also, easily generated AI content could flood platforms with low-quality, similar material, reducing originality and human creativity. There's also a risk that creators' own skills might decline if they rely too heavily on AI. Internally, while CAN is profitable overall, some acquired businesses like Big Bang Records and Glance Collective have reported losses, pointing to possible challenges in managing its various ventures.

Global Expansion and IPO Plans

Beyond its AI content tools, Collective Artists Network aims for global growth and a potential public listing. The company has opened an office in Dubai, its first step into the Middle East, with further expansion planned for Southeast Asia. This global push seeks to connect Indian talent with international opportunities and serve a broad range of clients across talent management, digital media, IP development, and content creation. CAN is currently exploring a public listing, with more details expected in the next year, as it looks to raise capital for growth and offer returns to investors. The company's ambition is to become the "Reliance of the creator ecosystem," organizing a fragmented industry and setting new standards in media and technology.