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Exclusive Q&A w/ Alex Petrenko, CEO and Co-Founder of Zibra AI
- Could you share some insights into your journey and professional background, highlighting key experiences that led you to initiate Zibra?
My journey in the tech and gaming world began after graduating from the National Aviation University in Kyiv, specialising in management and logistics. Prior to Zibra AI, I held senior business development roles at CoWorking Platforma and Talkable, gaining valuable insights and experience working on business strategies and development dynamics with companies like General Assembly, Y-Combinator and influencers like Steve Wozniak to organise offline events for the tech community and build a separate revenue stream around educational events.
As a passionate gamer and technology enthusiast, I’ve always been interested in new game titles, but as games become more complex, their development has become lengthier. Game developers now require considerably more time and resources to craft immersive and sophisticated gaming experiences that can cater to the ever-growing demands of the player community.
The desire to change this and aid developers of all sizes to create amazing titles and experiences for gamers, led me to create Zibra AI alongside our amazing co-founding team of Vladyslav Zavadskyi and Den Dmytrenko. Earlier this year, with the help of our fantastic team, we succeeded in securing funding from both the inaugural a16z Games SPEEDRUN (the only company to be chosen from Eastern Europe) and from Epic’s MegaGrant program. Witnessing the potential of Generative AI, particularly in streamlining game development and enhancing VFX (Visual Effects) creation, ignited the vision for Zibra AI. Our mission is clear: enabling game developers, VFX artists, and creators to revolutionise their workflows and create exceptional experiences.
- Delving into Zibra, what sparked the creation of the platform? What were the core founding principles for Zibra?
Being a gamer with a strong interest in emerging technologies, I was always inspired by what these advancements could offer to the gaming world, both behind the scenes on the development side but also the impact to the end-user, the players. Game development, though rewarding, often faces lengthy and challenging development cycles. Recognising the potential of AI to alleviate these hurdles, especially in the realm of asset and VFX creation, sparked the inception of Zibra AI in 2021. Our core founding principles revolve around leveraging Generative AI to simplify the creation of 3D assets and VFX, empowering game developers and artists to enhance their workflows and bring their visions to life with efficiency and creativity.
- Generative AI has the potential to democratise creativity. How is Zibra AI making this technology accessible and user-friendly for a broader audience of content game developers and Visual Effects artists, including those with varying levels of technical expertise?
Zibra AI is dedicated to democratising game development and visual effects through the creation of easy and affordable products. All the solutions with our platform are designed with a user-friendly interface, ensuring accessibility for creators of all skill levels. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on intuitive tools and a seamless user experience, allowing content developers, from beginners to experts, to utilise the power of Generative AI effortlessly. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our platform caters to varying technical proficiencies, enabling a diverse audience to embrace AI-generated 3D assets and VFX, ultimately democratising the creative process in the gaming and visual effects spheres.
- Zibra aims to streamline 3D content generation. Could you quantify the success achieved in simplifying and democratising this process? Providing data on user numbers and the time required to create 3D content using the platform would be valuable.
We are thrilled that Zibra AI has recently surpassed 100,000 users, primarily consisting of game developers leveraging our platform for VFX creation. The feedback from our growing community has been overwhelmingly positive, empowering even indie developers to swiftly craft high quality VFX without requiring specific prior expertise. This allows them to test and validate their creative concepts, without any delay. Zibra AI solutions enable easy creation of new immersive experiences and game mechanics based on real-world physics (liquid, smoke & fire). Soon, Zibra AI tools will also make it possible for creators to easily generate in-game assets based on almost any input, whether it be text, video or image references. Our mission is to give game developers of all levels unprecedented amounts of freedom to experiment and customise their games, (using a single prompt) to create the best experience possible for players.
- Looking at the global market, how do you envision Generative AI shaping the future of visual effects and media production, and what role do you foresee Zibra AI playing in this transformative journey?
Generative AI holds immense potential in shaping the future of visual effects and media production. As the technology advances, we foresee a future where Generative AI seamlessly integrates with creative workflows, significantly accelerating content creation and enhancing the overall quality of visual effects. Zibra AI aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, empowering artists and developers with efficient AI-powered solutions that enhance their capabilities and artistic visions. Our role is to continually innovate, ensuring our platform remains aligned with the evolving needs of the industry, ultimately contributing to a future where creativity and technology harmoniously coexist. We are not trying to replace human jobs but instead empower those and maintain a community who help each other and create more amazing gaming experiences.
- Please elaborate on the standout features of Zibra powered by AI, which captivate users and developers in the realm of 3D content creation.
One of our primary platform offerings is Zibra Effects. A powerful AI-assisted solution to create dynamic smoke, fire, liquid, and clothing Visual Effects for games. All Zibra Effects products are equipped with a unique AI-layer that speeds up object prototyping and accelerates the performance of the simulation itself. What sets Zibra Effects apart is its ability to provide real-time interactivity, enhancing the immersivity. It’s a low-code tool that drastically simplifies the complex process of VFX creation, saving developers significant time. Additionally, we offer a free version of Zibra Effects for users to explore and experiment with, allowing them to experience firsthand the transformative capabilities of AI-assisted tools.
- Data privacy and ethical AI use are growing concerns. How does Zibra AI ensure responsible use of Generative AI and maintain a strong commitment to data security and user privacy in your products and services?
At Zibra AI, data privacy and ethical AI usage are paramount. Our platform only uses proprietary models and data sources to build our features. We are committed to not creating or using an open source model that scrapes the internet and users’ data. We remain committed to transparent communication with our community and ensuring that our technology is harnessed responsibly and ethically, respecting both user privacy and societal norms.
- Are there upcoming features within the Zibra pipeline that you can share with us, offering a glimpse into the platform’s evolving capabilities?
This autumn we’ll be announcing an important step forward for file compression of visual effects (ZibraVDB). This tool will allow something that was previously close to impossible to achieve – having volumetric/3D VFX in games. VFX will look much more realistic, whilst the significant compression of file sizes (up to 100x smaller than the current standard) allows for a wider use of high-fidelity VFX within different environments and across platforms previously unable to compute such large files. It’s a huge milestone in our mission to continually evolve and empower creators with cutting-edge tools and capabilities.
- Can you showcase some instances of 3D content generated using Zibra, underlining its prowess in empowering creators?
Absolutely. Creators regularly share their works within our Discord community, showcasing how our solutions can be applied in various use cases. One notable instance was a simulation involving a pool cleaning scenario, where the water physics generated were lauded as even superior to those in renowned games like Starfield. Additionally, we’ve seen impressive 3D AR/VR reconstructions that underscore the prowess of Zibra AI in empowering creators to realise their visions in the virtual world. Our community loves to share their first hand experiences using Zibra Effects. For example, game developer Lee Vermeulen’s social media videos earlier this year, showcasing Zibra Effects real-time liquid, smoke and fire simulations in AR have gone viral!
- Lastly, reflecting on your role as the Co-founder and CEO of Zibra AI, what advice or insights would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs trying to get into the fields of AI and Gaming?
You need to embrace your passion for AI and/or gaming and stay relentlessly curious and up-to-date as both are ever-evolving fields. Much like the journey of a lifelong learner, remember that success often emerges from a foundation of persistence. Above all, stay true to your vision and persevere through challenges. Entrepreneurship and building a product/company should be an exciting journey. Try to keep this front of mind and enjoy the process through all the ups and downs.
La expansión global de los mercados de predicción está comenzando a redefinir la forma en que los usuarios interactúan con la información, la probabilidad y el engagement digital.
Ubicadas en la intersección entre finanzas, tecnología y datos de comportamiento, estas plataformas están ganando tracción como una forma estructurada de transformar la inteligencia colectiva en pronósticos medibles sobre eventos futuros.
En Brasil, este segmento emergente aún se encuentra en una etapa inicial, pero la combinación de una audiencia digital altamente comprometida, la reciente evolución regulatoria en sectores adyacentes como fintech y cripto, y la búsqueda constante de nuevos modelos de engagement dentro del iGaming, crea un entorno fértil para el crecimiento.
Es en este contexto que VoxFi se posiciona como uno de los primeros actores estructurados dentro del ecosistema local.
La semana pasada, durante BiS SiGMA South America 2026 en São Paulo, la empresa presentó oficialmente su solución white label, diseñada para permitir que terceros integren mercados de predicción directamente en sus propios sitios web y aplicaciones.
VoxFi también participó en el panel “Forecasting or Gambling? The Fine Line Between Prediction Markets and Bets”, donde el CEO y cofundador Fernando Carvalho analizó los límites entre los modelos de predicción emergentes y las estructuras tradicionales de apuestas.
Además, la compañía fue seleccionada como una de las seis finalistas del Startup Pitch Competition del evento, reforzando su posicionamiento como un actor innovador en el sector.
La empresa, una plataforma brasileña enfocada en contratos de predicción basados en eventos, ha desarrollado una solución white label que permite a otras compañías integrar mercados de predicción directamente en sus propios entornos digitales.
A través de conectividad vía API, empresas de distintos sectores, desde medios y entretenimiento hasta telecomunicaciones, pueden ofrecer experiencias de predicción personalizadas bajo su propia marca, aprovechando la infraestructura, el marco de compliance y los mecanismos de liquidez de VoxFi.
A diferencia de los modelos tradicionales de apuestas, VoxFi opera bajo una lógica peer to peer, donde los usuarios negocian contratos binarios, sí o no, basados en resultados futuros.
El precio de estos contratos refleja probabilidades percibidas, creando un entorno dinámico que se asemeja más a los mercados financieros que a las estructuras de juego convencionales.
Todos los mercados pasan por un proceso interno de curaduría y validación, con criterios de resolución claramente definidos, estándares de compliance y sistemas de monitoreo.
La plataforma también incorpora prácticas del mercado financiero como KYC obligatorio, monitoreo de transacciones y segregación de cuentas por evento, reforzando su posicionamiento como un ecosistema estructurado y responsable.
Fundada por Fernando Carvalho, conocido por su rol en el desarrollo del mercado de criptoactivos en Brasil a través de QR Capital, y Luis Felipe Carvalho, emprendedor fintech detrás de NG.CASH, VoxFi combina experiencia en innovación financiera con un producto diseñado para escalar y alinearse con la regulación.
En esta entrevista exclusiva, el CEO Fernando Carvalho explica las razones detrás de su entrada en un segmento aún poco comprendido, el posicionamiento estratégico de VoxFi y lo que viene para los mercados de predicción en Brasil.
El mercado de predicción aún no es ampliamente comprendido en Brasil. ¿Qué los llevó a apostar por este sector?
Fernando Carvalho – Elegimos construir VoxFi porque los mercados de predicción son una de las formas más eficientes de transformar información dispersa en probabilidades sobre el futuro.
Agregan conocimiento colectivo de manera estructurada y transparente.
Observamos avances regulatorios importantes en Estados Unidos entre 2024 y 2025, lo que indicó que este modelo comenzaría a escalar globalmente.
Vimos un escenario similar al inicio del mercado cripto, un sector nuevo que requiere educación, gobernanza sólida y desarrollo gradual para alcanzar escala.
¿Dónde está la línea entre mercados de predicción y apuestas?
La diferencia es estructural. En los mercados de predicción, los usuarios negocian entre sí a través de un libro de órdenes y los precios reflejan probabilidades percibidas.
En las apuestas tradicionales, existe una casa que define las cuotas y asume el riesgo. Aquí no hay casa, hay mercado.
VoxFi entra con un enfoque B2B. ¿Qué oportunidad identificaron?
El iGaming está atravesando una transformación en Brasil y los operadores buscan nuevas formas de engagement.
Nuestra solución permite integrar mercados de predicción como una capa adicional de contenido vía API, mientras los socios mantienen su identidad de marca.
¿Compiten con operadores de apuestas?
No. Complementamos el ecosistema. Evitamos deliberadamente temas deportivos para no competir directamente y ampliar el abanico de contenidos.
¿Brasil está atrasado en este segmento?
No. Está en una etapa inicial, pero con características ideales, una audiencia digital altamente comprometida y una creciente familiaridad con instrumentos financieros más sofisticados.
¿Cómo funciona el modelo de ingresos?
Es similar al de plataformas de trading, cobramos comisiones sobre transacciones o sobre la liquidación de contratos.
En el modelo B2B también generamos ingresos a través de fees de implementación y acuerdos de revenue share. Es un modelo altamente escalable.
¿Quiénes son los principales interesados hoy?
Hay tres grupos principales, operadores de iGaming, empresas de medios y entretenimiento, y plataformas digitales con grandes audiencias.
¿Cómo se construye liquidez en un mercado nuevo?
Inicialmente mediante un market maker interno para garantizar condiciones eficientes de negociación. Al mismo tiempo, estamos desarrollando infraestructura para integrar market makers externos a medida que el ecosistema crece.
¿Por qué evitar temas como deportes y elecciones?
Es una decisión estratégica para alinearnos con la regulación actual y evitar conflictos con organismos como CVM, SPA y TSE.
¿Brasil está cerca de regular los mercados de predicción?
La discusión recién está comenzando a tomar fuerza. El principal riesgo es una clasificación incorrecta como apuestas tradicionales o como derivados financieros.
¿Qué define el éxito en los próximos seis meses?
El crecimiento de la base de usuarios, el volumen negociado y la activación de integraciones white label con socios estratégicos.
A futuro, ¿será un complemento del iGaming o una categoría propia?
En el corto plazo lo vemos como un complemento natural del iGaming, agregando nuevas capas de contenido y engagement.
A largo plazo, creemos que puede convertirse en una categoría digital propia, una nueva capa de internet enfocada en la predicción de eventos futuros.
The post Fernando Carvalho define una nueva era para los mercados de predicción en Brasil con VoxFi appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil
Fernando Carvalho outlines new era for prediction markets in Brazil with VoxFi white label technology
The global expansion of prediction markets is beginning to reshape how users interact with information, probability, and digital engagement.
Positioned at the intersection of finance, technology, and behavioral data, these platforms are gaining traction as a structured way to transform collective intelligence into measurable forecasts about future events.
In Brazil, this emerging segment is still in its early stages, but the combination of a highly engaged digital audience, recent regulatory evolution in adjacent sectors such as fintech and crypto, and the constant search for new engagement models within iGaming creates a fertile environment for growth.
It is within this context that VoxFi is positioning itself as one of the first structured players in the local ecosystem.
Last week, during BiS SiGMA South America 2026 in São Paulo, the company officially presented its white-label solution, designed to allow third-party businesses to integrate prediction markets directly into their own websites and applications.
VoxFi also took part in the panel “Forecasting or Gambling? The Fine Line Between Prediction Markets and Bets,” where CEO and co-founder Fernando Carvalho discussed the boundaries between emerging prediction models and traditional betting structures.
In addition, the company was selected as one of the six finalists in the event’s Startup Pitch Competition, reinforcing its positioning as an innovative player in the space.
The company, a Brazilian platform focused on event-based prediction contracts, has introduced a white-label solution that allows third-party companies to integrate prediction markets directly into their own digital environments.
Through API connectivity, businesses across sectors, from media and entertainment to telecom, can offer customized prediction experiences under their own branding, leveraging VoxFi’s infrastructure, compliance framework, and liquidity mechanisms.
Unlike traditional betting models, VoxFi operates on a peer-to-peer logic, where users trade binary contracts (“yes” or “no”) based on future outcomes.
The pricing of these contracts reflects perceived probabilities, creating a dynamic environment that resembles financial markets more than conventional gambling structures.
All markets undergo internal curation and validation, with clearly defined resolution criteria, compliance standards, and monitoring systems.
The platform also incorporates financial-market practices such as mandatory KYC, transaction monitoring, and event-based account segregation, reinforcing its positioning as a structured and responsible ecosystem.
Founded by Fernando Carvalho, known for his role in advancing the crypto asset market in Brazil through QR Capital, and Luis Felipe Carvalho, a fintech entrepreneur behind NG.CASH, VoxFi combines experience in financial innovation with a product designed for scalability and regulatory alignment.
In this exclusive interview, CEO Fernando Carvalho explains the rationale behind entering a still-misunderstood segment, the strategic positioning of VoxFi, and what lies ahead for prediction markets in Brazil.
The prediction market is still not widely understood in Brazil. What led you to invest in this sector?
Fernando Carvalho – We chose to build VoxFi because prediction markets are one of the most efficient ways to transform dispersed information into probabilities about the future.
They aggregate collective knowledge in a structured and transparent way. We observed important regulatory developments in the United States between 2024 and 2025, which indicated that this model would begin to scale globally.
We saw a scenario similar to the early days of the crypto market: a new sector that requires education, strong governance, and gradual development to reach scale.
Where is the line between prediction markets and betting?
The difference is structural. In prediction markets, users trade with each other through an order book, and prices reflect perceived probabilities.
In traditional betting, there is a house that sets the odds and assumes the risk. Here, there is no “house” — there is a market.
VoxFi enters with a B2B approach. What opportunity did you identify?
iGaming is undergoing a transformation in Brazil, and operators are looking for new ways to engage users.
Our solution allows prediction markets to be integrated as an additional content layer via API, while partners maintain their own brand identity.
Do you compete with betting operators?
No. We complement the ecosystem. We deliberately avoid sports-related topics to prevent direct competition and instead expand the range of available content.
Is Brazil behind in this segment?
No. It is in an early stage, but with ideal characteristics: a highly engaged digital audience and increasing familiarity with more sophisticated financial instruments.
How does your revenue model work?
It is similar to trading platforms: we charge fees on transactions or on contract settlement. In the B2B model, we also generate revenue through setup fees and revenue-sharing agreements. It is a highly scalable model.
Who are the main players interested in this today?
There are three main groups: iGaming operators, media and entertainment companies, and digital platforms with large audiences.
How do you build liquidity in a new market?
Initially, through an internal market maker to ensure efficient trading conditions. At the same time, we are developing infrastructure to integrate external market makers as the ecosystem grows.
Why avoid topics like sports and elections?
This is a strategic decision to align with current regulations and avoid conflicts with authorities such as CVM, SPA, and TSE.
Is Brazil close to regulating prediction markets?
The discussion is just beginning to gain traction. The main risk is being incorrectly classified as either traditional betting or financial drivatives.
What defines success in the next six months?
Growth in user base, trading volume, and the activation of white-label integrations with strategic partners.
Looking ahead, will this be a complement to iGaming or a standalone category?
In the short term, we see prediction markets as a natural complement to iGaming, adding new layers of content and engagement. In the long term, we believe they can become a standalone digital category, a new layer of the internet focused on forecasting future events.
The post Fernando Carvalho outlines new era for prediction markets in Brazil with VoxFi white label technology appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
DATA.BET has reinforced its ambitions in Latin America by making a strong return to BiS SiGMA South America 2026, one of the region’s most influential iGaming events.
With a significantly larger presence and an expanded product suite, the company demonstrated a clear evolution from its earlier identity as an esports-centric provider into a comprehensive sportsbook solutions partner.
Held in São Paulo, the event provided the perfect stage for DATA.BET to showcase its full-scale betting ecosystem. The company presented an integrated portfolio that spans traditional sports betting, esports wagering, and virtual sports—positioning itself as a one-stop solution for operators targeting regulated markets, particularly in Brazil.
A key highlight of DATA.BET’s offering is its GLI certification for Brazil. This certification is a major advantage for operators, as it removes the need for additional technical approvals and significantly shortens time-to-market. In a rapidly developing regulatory environment like Brazil’s, this capability gives partners a competitive edge when launching or scaling their betting platforms.
At the exhibition stand, visitors explored several product enhancements designed to improve both operator efficiency and player engagement. Among the updates were revamped Statistical Widgets and the esports-focused Timeline Widget, both aimed at delivering richer real-time insights and more immersive user experiences. The introduction of features such as One-Click Bet and Early Payout further underscores DATA.BET’s commitment to streamlining the betting journey while adding flexibility and excitement for end users.
In addition to officially announced upgrades, the company also teased an upcoming feature currently in development. While details remain under wraps, DATA.BET indicated that this innovation will push engagement standards even higher, reflecting its ongoing investment in next-generation betting technology.
Beyond technology, the company ensured its booth stood out through an engaging and interactive atmosphere. Cosplayers portraying popular League of Legends characters Jinx and Ahri attracted steady attention, reinforcing DATA.BET’s roots in esports culture while bridging the gap to mainstream sports betting audiences. A dynamic kinetic screen added a visual centerpiece, helping to maintain strong visitor engagement throughout the event.
According to Natalie Loshatynska, Head of PR & Marketing at DATA.BET, the company’s return to SiGMA South America marks a significant milestone. She emphasized that the transformation from an esports-focused provider to a full sportsbook ecosystem reflects both strategic growth and a deep commitment to local markets. With expanded coverage, localized certification, and tailored tools, DATA.BET is positioning itself as a leading supplier across key verticals including esports, traditional sports, and virtual betting.
This strategic shift aligns with broader industry trends, as Latin America—particularly Brazil—continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing regulated betting markets globally. By investing in technology, compliance, and localized solutions, DATA.BET aims to empower operators to capitalize on these opportunities while delivering high-quality betting experiences to users.
As competition intensifies in the region, companies that can combine regulatory readiness with innovative product offerings are likely to lead the market. DATA.BET’s performance at BiS SiGMA South America 2026 suggests it is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the evolving Latin American betting landscape.
The post DATA.BET Expands at SiGMA South America 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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