Clout Kitchen announced a $4.45 million seed round in October 2024 to grow its creator-powered gaming products, starting with Backseat AI, a League of Legends companion that paired gameplay guidance with commentary in a creator’s voice. The funding was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge. The product, pricing and signup details below describe 2024 coverage; they do not confirm what is available today.
How much did Clout Kitchen raise, and who invested?
Clout Kitchen announced a $4.45 million seed round in October 2024. The company named a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge as co-leads, with AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad and Orvel Ventures also participating, alongside creator and industry investors. Clout Kitchen’s announcement said the money would support team growth, a US office, expansion of Backseat AI and a shared internal technology stack for future creator-powered products.
Clout Kitchen described itself as a consumer AI startup operating in Los Angeles and Manila. Its announcement identified Justin Gorriceta-Banusing as CEO and Marcel Feldkamp as chief business officer. CEO Justin Banusing framed the company’s aim as creating value for fans, creators and game developers.
What is Backseat AI?
Backseat AI was Clout Kitchen’s first product: an in-game companion for League of Legends, co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp. It was designed to provide gameplay advice and commentary in the voice of a creator, rather than simply offer a generic overlay or guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
How the companion was described to work
Company materials described real-time guidance that could cover character and item choices. GamesBeat reported that Backseat also used visual overlays for tips, tricks and stats, and that it was aimed at entry- to mid-level players. In GamesBeat’s account, the company said the product was built to comply with Riot Games’ in-game API; that is a claim attributed to the report, not an independently verified current Riot endorsement. GamesBeat’s coverage quoted Gorriceta-Banusing describing the intended mix of advice, creator-voiced commentary and visual information.
Which creators and prices were reported in 2024?
Launch-era coverage named Tyler1, streamer and cosplayer Emily “Emiru” Schunk, and professional player Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski as creator-specific buddies. GamesBeat reported that a full release cost $4.99 per month for each buddy; PocketGamer.biz reported that Emiru and Jankos joined after Tyler1. These are historical reports from 2024, not verified current roster or subscription terms.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Clout Kitchen said more than 45,000 people had joined the waitlist since early access began in June 2024. That company-reported signup count indicates interest at that time, not paying subscribers or current active users. The company’s October 2024 announcement provided the figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the announcement does—and does not—establish
The financing announcement documents a seed round and the company’s stated plans for the proceeds; it does not establish that Backseat AI reached a particular level of commercial success. The available sources, published in October 2024—with GamesBeat’s page updated in June 2025—also do not establish current availability, supported games, creator lineup or pricing. Treat the reported $4.99 monthly rate and named buddies as historical unless a current company listing confirms them.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Rank #4
- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
- PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
Rank #3
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
