Linden Lab

Linden Lab is the developer behind Second Life, one of the earliest and largest 3D virtual worlds created by its users. The platform also enables creators to develop new content and experiences and sell virtual items on its marketplace. Users can explore thousands of virtual experiences and communities, interact with others, shop for millions of items, including virtual fashion items and home decor, use virtual spaces for classes, conferences, meetings, and other events. The platform’s economy is powered by Tilia Pay, a registered money service business the company sold to Thunes in April 2024.

In September 2022, Linden Lab acquired CasperTech, a multi-product and multi-service company within Second Life, to ensure the services rendered through CasperTech continue without interruption and to improve user experience within the Second Life metaverse. Linden Lab’s previous acquisitions include digital distribution service for PC games Desura (2013), iPad sandbox game Blocksworld (2013), community of online gaming avatars Avatars United (2010), and online commerce sites for Second Life Onrez and Xstreet (2009).

Second Life generates revenue via monthly subscriptions, which range from USD 9 to USD 21, granting users perks such as digital currency, private homes, etc.

Key customers and partnerships

As of June 2023, the platform had ~750,000 monthly active users.

In June 2023, Linden Lab’s Second Life platform partnered with Motown Records to launch “Motown Records,” a music experience and venue featuring performances from Motown artists within the platform.

In January 2022, Linden Lab’s subsidiary, Tilia Inc., partnered with Unity to provide developers working with Unity, a turnkey payments platform that supports in-game and in-world economies for users to complete transactions and exchange in-game tokens for real money.

Funding and financials

In March 2023, Tilia received USD 23 million in funding as a strategic investment from J.P. Morgan Payments and Upbit. The new capital was earmarked to expand Tilia's team, scale its platform, and partner with J.P. Morgan Payments to enhance its processing platform and expand payment and payout methods. Additionally, the funding will be used to build new partnerships across all the verticals it serves.