Milestone Systems has announced the acquisition of Berlin-based technology company brighter AI, effective from 1 April 2025. Brighter AI specialises in anonymisation solutions for video data, using advanced deep learning technology to protect people’s identities in public spaces.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, concerns over data privacy are growing across the world. A major challenge in AI development is accessing sufficient, quality data needed to train models, such as those used by ChatGPT and Copilot. Video data, in particular, often contains sensitive personal information, making it difficult to source datasets that meet privacy standards. Brighter AI addresses this problem through its regulatory-compliant anonymisation technology, enabling video data use without compromising individual privacy.
The acquisition enables Milestone Systems to offer expanded capabilities in video management software, video surveillance as a service, and video analytics. It also supports the company’s latest initiative, Project Hafnia, which aims to develop a compliant data library and AI model training tool. The addition of brighter AI’s technology strengthens Milestone’s position in security and wider sectors, boosting its ongoing growth plans.
A boost for responsible technology and European innovation
Brighter AI’s privacy-by-design approach closely aligns with Milestone Systems’ commitment to responsible technology. By joining forces, the two European technology companies are helping to strengthen Europe’s role in the global AI and tech sector. This collaboration underscores European innovation while protecting the privacy rights of individuals.
Thomas Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Systems, said, “brighter AI is a perfect match for Milestone. Their proven technology is top-notch and will give us a wider offering to existing and future technology partners and customers. The anonymisation tool for video technology will also enhance our focus on responsible technology. Even more important, our two company cultures are highly compatible. Having known brighter AI for a while, as we have an established collaboration on Project Hafnia, I have complete faith that this will be a great benefit for all. I am indeed very pleased to welcome our new colleagues to Milestone.”
Founded in 2017 by Marian and Patrick Kern, brighter AI has become a leader in video data anonymisation across multiple industries. The company’s Deep Natural Anonymisation solution, which detects and replaces personal identifiers such as faces with synthetic alternatives, earned it the title of “Europe’s Hottest AI Startup” by Nvidia.
Scaling privacy-first video solutions globally
Commenting on the acquisition, Marian Gläser, Chief Executive Officer of brighter AI, said, “brighter AI was founded with the mission to make visual data usable in a privacy-preserving way. Joining Milestone Systems marks an exciting new chapter—together, we can scale that mission to a global level out of Europe. Milestone’s leadership in responsible video technology and their vision with Project Hafnia align perfectly with our own values. We’re proud that our anonymisation solutions will become a core pillar of a platform that’s set to redefine how compliant, high-quality video data is used to train AI. We’re ready to shape the future of visual AI—secure, ethical, and transformative.”
Brighter AI’s 24 employees will continue their work as part of a dedicated business area within Milestone Systems. Their expertise will play a key role in supporting Milestone’s broader goals to strengthen responsible AI practices and boost Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The acquisition reflects Milestone Systems’ commitment to privacy, innovation, and ethical technology, reinforcing its leadership as the demand for responsible visual AI solutions continues to grow.
