ByteDance Alumni Raise Eight-Figure for AI Comics Platform Focused on Storytelling and Companionship

Former ByteDance executive Liang Chenqi has led his startup Dongnian Yongxian to secure an eight-figure USD angel funding round for Pinecone Moment, an AI-powered comics application that generates complete four-to-six-page stories through text and image prompts.

Unlike conventional AI productivity tools, Pinecone Moment positions itself as a user-generated content platform centered on storytelling, emotional expression, and long-term user companionship. The app enables users to create complete comic narratives by combining images with text prompts, producing finished stories that typically span four to six pages.

The funding round attracted backing from leading venture capital firms, with investors noting that Pinecone Moment's core thesis revolves around "recording and companionship" rather than pure utility. This strategic positioning distinguishes the platform from other AI comics generators that focus primarily on efficiency and productivity enhancements.

Dongnian Yongxian is assembling resources to develop its own foundational model, moving beyond reliance on third-party AI systems. This technical ambition reflects the founding team's strong credentials in AI development and recommendation systems.

CEO Liang Chenqi previously led the 0-to-1 development of ByteDance's Flow "Catbox" product, bringing extensive experience in building consumer-facing AI applications. The CTO, a graduate of Zhejiang University's elite Chu Kochen Honors College, previously served as an early lead on ByteDance's recommendation system and has founded multiple startups.

The company has grown to over 60 employees, primarily recruiting young high-potential talent from major tech firms including ByteDance and Tencent. This talent acquisition strategy suggests the company is building a team capable of competing in the increasingly crowded AI content generation space.

Pinecone Moment represents a specific approach to AI-generated content that emphasizes emotional connection and storytelling over pure productivity. As AI continues to transform creative industries, platforms that can balance technological capability with human emotional needs may find unique market positions.

The eight-figure funding round indicates strong investor confidence in the vision of AI-powered digital companionship through creative expression, particularly as the technology matures and user expectations evolve beyond simple content generation toward more meaningful interactive experiences.