SBTDC Client Profile: Scale Social AI

Company Overview

Scaling Authentic Marketing – Empowering Real Customer Voices with AI

Founded in early 2024, Scale Social AI is a North Carolina-based startup led by CEO Runbin Dong. The founding team combines AI and martech expertise from companies like IBM Watson and Amazon, along with hands-on experience building local food and beverage businesses.

Scale Social AI’s core product, ReelScale, is a marketing platform that transforms real customer photos and videos into short-form video ads. Using AI, the platform helps food and beverage franchises turn everyday customer moments into high-performing, authentic content that increases local foot traffic, strengthens brand trust, and improves customer retention.

The Problem and Solution

Most franchise brands rely on generic advertising or influencer campaigns that fail to connect with local customers. ReelScale enables brands to use content created by real customers, resulting in five times higher engagement and simplified marketing operations for franchise owners.

Funding and Growth Plans

Scale Social AI is currently raising a $1.5 million pre-seed equity round to expand its engineering team, onboard more franchise pilots, and enhance its technology infrastructure. The company has received NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grants to support early product development and is exploring SBIR/STTR opportunities to further its AI-based content trust framework.

Key Lessons Learned

Focus on the core problem and why your team is uniquely positioned to solve it. Investors fund founders with real-world experience.
Build customer traction even while fundraising. Pilots and early revenue help move investors from interest to commitment.

SBTDC Engagement

The SBTDC Tech Commercialization team has provided valuable support, including one-on-one counseling, grant strategy, pitch review, and investor connections. This support continues to guide the company’s approach to growth and strategic funding.

What’s Next

The company plans to scale current pilots with brands like Osmow’s, Fox’s Pizza Den, and Mezeh Mediterranean into multi-location rollouts. Scale Social AI aims to reach $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by Q4 2025 and expand its platform to additional sectors including fitness, hospitality, and retail.