Morfeu AI - making storytelling accessible, engaging, and effortless for everyone

Morfeu AI is based in New York, with a mission to revolutionise how we create and consume video content. Today we meet founder Sali Igbal Ferad to find out more about how they're changing the world.

Morfeu AI - making storytelling accessible, engaging, and effortless for everyone

Welcome to NEXUS Startup Diaries, the number one place to discover the hottest and most inspiring startups and founders.

Today we're excited to meet Sali Igbal Ferad of Morfeu AI...

So Sali, tell us more about Morfeu AI

Morfeu AI is revolutionizing how we create and consume video content. Based in New York, our mission is to make storytelling accessible, engaging, and effortless for everyone.

We’ve started with Laila, our first product—a groundbreaking AI-driven app that transforms text prompts into professional-grade videos. Initially tailored for kids, Laila brings imagination to life, allowing young minds to turn their ideas into vibrant stories. But our vision doesn’t stop there.

We aim to expand Laila into a suite of products for all ages and interests, from education to creative studios. Our customers are global—parents, educators, and creators—who want to make storytelling more impactful and interactive.

Positioned at the intersection of AI, digital media, and entertainment, Morfeu AI is setting the stage for a new era of accessible, affordable, and innovative video creation.

How did you come up with the business idea and what problem are you looking to solve?

The idea for Morfeu AI was born during my time as CEO of Gain, a streaming platform. While running the company, I noticed a troubling trend: so many talented writers and directors were being turned down by producers—not because their ideas weren’t good, but because they didn’t have the right connections.

Producers often preferred to work with people they already knew, creating an industry where many incredible ideas never saw the light of day.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair this was and began asking myself, "How can we disrupt the video business? How can we empower creatives to go beyond these gatekeepers and bring their visions to life?"

That’s when the concept for Morfeu AI took shape. With Morfeu, we’re building a video engine that enables anyone to transform their ideas into immersive video stories. No barriers, no connections required—just pure creativity brought to life through cutting-edge technology.

Our mission is to democratize video creation, ensuring that every idea has a chance to be seen and heard.

What made you want to start your own business?

Starting my own business has always been a way for me to innovate and address challenges in the media landscape. I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2005 with NGM TV, a video streaming website that also produced original content.

After growing and successfully exiting the company in 2008, I continued to focus on innovation in the media space. Over the years, I’ve worked with media companies to embrace the digital era, developing iPad applications for newspapers and magazines and creating video streaming apps for TV channels.

These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and the challenges creatives face when trying to bring their ideas to life.

Morfeu is my third startup, and it represents the culmination of everything I’ve learned. It’s my way of tackling one of the biggest problems I’ve observed: enabling storytellers and creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers and turn their ideas into immersive video stories.

Entrepreneurship has always been my avenue for creating impactful solutions, and Morfeu is no exception.

What stage is your business currently at?

Morfeu AI is currently in the early growth stage. We’ve developed our first product, Laila, an AI-powered storytelling app, and we’re gearing up for a big milestone: releasing the beta version at January 2025.

This is an exciting time for us as we transition from development to getting our product into the hands of real users. As an entrepreneur, my priorities are twofold right now.

First, ensuring that our beta launch is successful by refining the user experience and gathering valuable feedback.

Second, expanding our reach to attract more users and secure partnerships that align with our vision of democratizing video creation.

At this stage, building a strong community around our product is essential. We’re focusing on connecting with parents, educators, and creators who share our passion for storytelling.

On the business side, I’m prioritizing scaling our operations, onboarding key team members, and securing the right investment to fuel our next phase of growth. It’s all about laying the foundation for a sustainable and impactful future for Morfeu AI.

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

What I love most about being an entrepreneur is the challenge and excitement of creating something entirely new—something that didn’t exist before and has the potential to make a real impact.

There’s a unique thrill in taking an idea from nothing and turning it into a tangible product or solution. For me, every step of the journey—whether it’s solving complex problems, building a team, or watching an idea take shape—is incredibly rewarding.

I thrive on pushing boundaries, navigating uncertainties, and ultimately bringing a vision to life. That sense of accomplishment, knowing you’ve created something meaningful, is what keeps me passionate about entrepreneurship.

What is the number one business tip you've learned that you'd like to share with fellow budding entrepreneurs?

The best tip I’ve learned is that if you can imagine it, you can take steps to make it happen. It’s not about instant success or grand ambitions—it’s about believing in your ideas enough to start.

Every great business begins with a vision, but what matters most is breaking it down into achievable steps and staying persistent. Trust your instincts, stay adaptable, and keep moving forward.

Who are your startup heroes?

My startup hero is Nolan Bushnell, the visionary who brought Atari to the U.S. market. What I admire most about him is his ability to see potential where others didn’t and his willingness to take huge risks to make it happen.

Bushnell wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and bet on something he believed in—a quality I deeply respect and try to emulate in my own entrepreneurial journey.

His story reminds me that innovation often starts with a bold leap of faith!

Is there a favourite podcast, book or series you'd like to share with the world?

One book I’d recommend to fellow entrepreneurs is "Creative Confidence" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley.

It’s an inspiring read about unlocking your creative potential and learning to approach problems with curiosity and boldness.

For podcasts, "How I Built This with Guy Raz" is a classic—it’s full of fascinating stories about how entrepreneurs overcame challenges and built their businesses.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the world?

The entertainment industry is on the brink of a revolution, and AI is the driving force behind it. With AI, we’re moving into a world where creativity is no longer limited by technical skills or massive budgets.

Imagine anyone being able to create immersive stories, stunning visuals, or even personalized entertainment experiences tailored to their unique tastes—all with just a few prompts.

AI is not just a tool; it’s an enabler of imagination, opening doors for storytellers, artists, and creators who previously faced barriers. This shift is going to democratize entertainment, making it more diverse, interactive, and accessible than ever before.

The future of entertainment isn’t just about consuming stories; it’s about co-creating them.

Where can people find you online?

Please add me on LinkedIn to carry on the conversation. 

It's been really great to chat today Sali! Good luck in the future with your business and we look forward to catching up with you soon.


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