How a 23-year-old builder made AI video simple
August 20, 2026 - 7:33 pm
Credit: Sean Grindal
TL;DR:
Sean Grindal, aged 23, co-founded Yapper (Dream Vision Labs) after a decade of coding that started at age 13. The AI content studio uses a conversational agent to simplify the use of complex models. It launched with satirical viral videos (one achieving 100M+ views), expanded into general video and ad creation, and reached a ~$2M run rate with 300,000 users. The team consists of just two people. Grindal believes simplicity will win the AI creation market over feature-rich competitors.
At 23, Sean Grindal is challenging the conventional wisdom in the AI tools space: while many focus on adding features, he argues that the key to success lies in making these tools easy to use for a wider audience. His bet stems from his unique background and experience.
A Decade of Code Before Adulthood:
Grindal's journey began at an early age; he started coding at 13 and worked as a software developer throughout high school and university. During this time, he founded several startups and honed his skills in web development and design. This hands-on experience provided him with a unique perspective on building software and a keen eye for design.
After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in computer science, Grindal transitioned from agency work to startup life. His decision was driven by a desire for scalability and ownership, believing that independent software products had immense potential for growth.
Turning Yapper into a Viral Engine:
The concept for Yapper emerged from a collaboration with a friend, Emmet, who brought comedy and viral marketing expertise. They developed an AI video tool focused on humor as a unique selling point. The early prototype gained traction, leading them to commit full-time to the project.
Yapper was designed with shareability in mind from its inception, catering to the social media generation. The initial narrow focus on satirical videos proved successful, generating significant interest and an impressive 100M+ views for one video.