In a world where personalized connections with celebrities can feel rare, Cameo has turned a simple concept into a global phenomenon. Through short, personalized video messages, the platform allows fans to request everything from birthday wishes to personalized roasts from their favorite celebrities. But behind the platform’s success lies Steven Galanis, the visionary CEO who has built the brand into a billion-dollar business.

Since its launch in 2016, Cameo quickly grew into a staple for fans seeking a more personal interaction with celebrities. The company’s rise was fueled by the pandemic, as more people sought online entertainment and celebrities turned to new ways of monetizing their fame. At its peak in 2021, Cameo’s valuation soared to $1 billion. However, as the pandemic eased and consumers returned to in-person experiences, Cameo faced a significant drop in demand, causing its value to plummet by 90% by March 2024.

Despite the challenges, Galanis is steadfast in his belief that Cameo is not just a pandemic-era novelty. The CEO, who co-founded the company with his long-time friend Devon Townsend, views the downturn as a setback, not a defeat. “The two years before March, when we closed our new financing, were two of the hardest years I’ve had in my life,” he admits. “But we’ve learned a lot, and now we’ve been given a second shot to build something that we believe still has so much untapped potential.”

The downturn did not deter Cameo’s growth, however. With the introduction of CameoX, the platform now allows self-enrolled creators—ranging from actors to NFL coaches, influencers like Anthony Polcari, and even politicians like George Santos—to join the platform without meeting the previous follower threshold. In just 18 months, Cameo has added over 31,000 new creators, generating millions in bookings. Additionally, the company raised $28 million in March, further fueling its momentum.

Cameo’s approach to creator diversity has been a key part of its evolution. “We’ve always been a platform for emerging talent,” Galanis explains. “But when we looked back at data from March 2020 to May 2023, we realized we had missed hundreds, if not thousands, of creators who could have been valuable contributors to the platform. Now, we’ve opened the doors wider, allowing influencers and creators at every level to thrive.”

Galanis is no stranger to the shifting tides of the tech industry. He acknowledges the hype cycles that have come and gone in recent years, from AR and VR to the creator economy and Web 3.0. But Cameo’s mission remains clear. “At Cameo, we focus on what we love, what we’re great at, and what the world needs,” he says. “I think that’s the key to weathering tough times.”

Looking to the future, Cameo has embraced the role of digital authenticity in an age increasingly dominated by deep fakes. “If you want something real, you go to Cameo. The watermark is the digital certificate of authenticity,” Galanis asserts. To remain at the forefront of the digital entertainment world, the company has also ventured into generative AI. In 2022, Cameo launched Cameo Kids, partnering with top animated IPs like Cocomelon and Peppa Pig to bring animated characters to life through AI-powered personalized messages.

The possibilities of AI, particularly with deceased celebrities, are not lost on Galanis. “What if we could bring back Marilyn Monroe or James Dean through AI, giving their fans the chance to interact with them in a new way?” he ponders. While not an AI company, Cameo is committed to staying authentic amid the rise of generative AI and deep fakes.

For Galanis, Cameo’s future is clear: authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity will continue to guide the platform as it evolves. “We’re just getting started,” he concludes, “and I believe the best is yet to come.”