Kindred Labs Partners With IPX To Launch AI-Powered Character Companions by 2026
Kindred Labs has forged a strategic alliance with IPX, the parent company of globally recognized character brands like LINE FRIENDS and BT21, to develop AI-driven digital companions. These persistent, interactive characters will overlay users' screens across devices—from smartphones to emerging wearables—blending emotional resonance with practical assistant functionality.
Scheduled for an April 2026 global launch (excluding China), the initiative coincides with the 15th anniversary of LINE FRIENDS' flagship character BROWN. The AI companions aim to transform how fans engage with beloved IPs in daily life, while establishing a new paradigm for human-AI interaction through licensed character networks.
The deal was brokered by Beanstalk, CAA Brand Management's interactive licensing division. Built on Sei blockchain infrastructure, Kindred Labs' platform represents a convergence of character IP and decentralized AI—though neither cryptocurrency exchanges nor specific tokens were mentioned in the announcement.