Spiegel Capital Management is a venture capital firm providing investments to promising start-up companies.

Spiegel Capital Management

Palantir Capital, Inc. is an employee owned investment manager with approximately $193 million in assets under management. The firm provides its services to pooled investment vehicles and high net worth individuals. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The firm also makes venture capital investments. Palantir Capital was founded in 1995 and is based in Rancho Santa Fe, California with an additional office in New York, New York.

Palantir Capital

Digital Garage provides ''new contexts'' through the Internet by implementing three core technologies: IT (Information Technology), MT (Marketing Technology), FT (Financial Technology). Their core competence is the ability to integrate these multi-disciplinary technologies together into a one-stop seamless solution.  As a ''context company'', Digital Garage combines events occurring in different business fields by using the three technologies IT, MT and FT, in order to complete a new ''context.''  The seeds of business nurtured by Digital Garage are flourishing under the three business segments. The ''Incubation Segment'' invests in prospective startups and develops media business, the ''Marketing Segment'' provides advertising/promotion solutions that reach each consumer and the ''Payment Segment'' offers payment solutions crucial for monetizing on the Internet. These business segments and the subsidiaries are on the verge of bearing fruit as their branches and leaves continue to grow. Digital Garage's management practice enables different corporate entities to operate independently, while acting and resonating in union at the same time.  Digital Garage will continue to place emphasis on the power of group collaboration. Please pay attention to Digital Garage as they make progress and pioneer the future of the Internet.

Digital Garage

Before you build your team, before you write your first line of code, before you even take your first check—that’s when boldstart gets to work. We collaborate with technical founders well before company creation, lead pre-product rounds at inception, and rally our developer-first and SaaS network to help turn bold ideas into category-creating iconic companies. We’ve been in the trenches with Snyk, Blockdaemon, Kustomer, BigID, Superhuman (and so many more) from day one. The investment firm was founded in 2010 by Ed Sim and is headquartered in Miami, FL with Partners in Boston, Bay Area, and London.

boldstart ventures

Plus Capital is a venture infrastructure trusted by elite artists and athletes from film, television, music, and sports for their venture capital investing and equity for endorsement opportunities.

Plus Capital

Max Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in consumer tech and health-tech companies. Max Ventures primarily invests in digital commerce, digital media, fintech, and digital Health. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, United States.

Max Ventures

Samsung NEXT Ventures is an investment arm of Samsung NEXT, a multifaceted innovation group within Samsung Electronics dedicated to identifying new growth opportunities that will define the next decade. The firm prefers to invest in artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, health technology, infrastructure, and media technology sectors.

Samsung NEXT

HTC Corp is engaged in the design, development, and manufacture of smartphones and tablets in Taiwan.   The company offers PDA phones and smartphones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the United States, and Asia. These machines are available as HTC devices and as products individually customized for operators and device partners. The company provides its own HTC self-branded products as well as supports operator-branded products and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. It owns Dopod as a subsidiary company and is a member of the Open Handset Alliance.   The company’s products are sold under various brand names such as HTC, Dopod, and Qtek and are often rebranded by major telecommunication carriers. Its products also include pocket PC phones (PDA Phone), ultra mobile phones, HTC kovsky (Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1), and HTC dream (T-mobile G1).   HTC Corp was founded by Cher Wang and Peter Chou in 1997. It is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Deep Fork Capital (DFC) is a $30mm seed-focused venture capital fund in San Francisco focused on providing equity capital and convertible debt financing to companies in the consumer technology, digital media, and enterprise spaces. The firm's initial investment size typically ranges from $250k to $500k. Current DFC portfolio companies include Algorithmia, Dataminr, Educents, Transfix, StatMuse, Boxed, DealPath, and Canopy, among others.

Deep Fork Capital

AME Cloud Ventures focuses on seed to later stage companies building infrastructure and value chains around data. It specializes in technology-heavy companies gathering or creating unique data at every stage of the data stack — from infrastructure all the way to applications, mobile, and sensors.  It strives to find, fund, and support true entrepreneurs. The firm provides a unique and genuine set of resources to our founding teams, from strong operational and business experience to networks of amazing mentors and international partners, particularly in China. AME Cloud Ventures is the venture fund led by Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo!

AME Cloud Ventures

Orange Ventures is a venture fund investing in areas of Orange expertise and beyond, with financial objectives in line with VC industry standards. With 350m€ assets under management, Orange Ventures is in the top 10 corporate ventures in Europe with an investment strategy focused on helping future global tech champions, fostering innovation in the Middle East and Africa, and supporting new sustainable and responsible business models.

Orange Ventures

Colle Capital is an opportunistic, global technology venture fund.  We focus on early stage companies that offer products and services in a broad range of verticals, such as telecommunications, computing, compliance, healthcare, wireless, financial services, security, home automation and information technology.

Colle Capital Partners

Madison Wells Media (MWM) is a diversified media and entertainment company delivering elevated entertainment experiences to consumers worldwide. MWM produces and distributes premium content including film, television, VR/AR, live events and digital video.  MWM was founded by Gigi Pritzker in partnership with Clint Kisker in 2015 and was named one of Fast Company’s Top Ten Most Innovative Companies in Hollywood for 2017 (link).

Madison Wells Media

Evolution Media is a multi-stage investment firm that partners with passionate entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of technology, content, lifestyle, media, and sports businesses. Evolution leverages its global platform and relationships to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies while helping them reshape and disrupt their industries.

Evolution Media

WEVR

WEVR is a developer of a technology platform used to offer virtual reality content. Its technology uses immersive computing and real-time massively scalable simulations to create immersive entertainment experiences that enable digital artists and developers to produce and publish digital media for virtual reality devices. It creates transcendent immersive stories and globally shared experiences. WEVR was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Venice, California.

Wevr is an interactive software studio that produces virtual reality environments for games, marketing activities, well-being initiatives, and educational simulations, powered by game engines and blockchain technology. The company also creates location-based experiences that can be utilized in establishments such as museums and retail stores. Wevr introduced Wevr Virtual Studio (WVS) (December 2021), a cloud-based platform for developers to create, collaborate, organize, and share interactive/3D projects. WVS is powered by the industry-standard GIT backend, customized for game engine workflows. As of February 2022, WVS is open for early access.

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

Wevr

Wevr Virtual Studio helps devs make next-generation games

Wevr is an interactive software studio that produces virtual reality environments for games, marketing activities, well-being initiatives, and educational simulations, powered by game engines and blockchain technology. The company also creates location-based experiences that can be utilized in establishments such as museums and retail stores. Wevr introduced Wevr Virtual Studio (WVS) (December 2021), a cloud-based platform for developers to create, collaborate, organize, and share interactive/3D projects. WVS is powered by the industry-standard GIT backend, customized for game engine workflows. As of February 2022, WVS is open for early access.Key customers and partnershipsAs of January 2024, the company had collaborated with creators and brands such as Run the Jewels, Paul Allen, Warner Brothers, JK Rowling, Samsung, Jon Favreau, Reggie Watts, and YouTube.In July 2021, Wevr worked with Warner Bros Studio, the Blair Partnership, and other collaborators to develop two location-based VR experiences for the Warner Bros and Harry Potter flagship store in NYC. Wevr was responsible for the virtual environment production and character animation system, as well as the hardware design and software implementation of the physical user experience of the project. The physical experience included an interactive broom flight simulation that triggers physical effects with events occurring in the story sequence using tracking and force feedback systems.The company also collaborated with AT&amp;T and Ericsson to create a multi-user location-based XR experience that is photorealistic. The experience was built on Dreamscape Immersive’s VR platform and used a private 5G network from Ericsson that offers the high frame rates and low latency required to secure photorealism in XR experiences.

Interplay Learning (Interplay) provides on-demand, interactive, and hands-on simulation learning courses for skilled trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and facilities maintenance, through VR, mobile, and desktop applications. The learning courses also include simulated walkthrough videos where experts lead users through procedure guides methodically, with knowledge testing features and additional learning material such as wiring diagrams, equations, sample system configs, and charts at the end of each lesson. The platform also enables managers to track user progress.The company operates a subscription-based model with monthly packages for individuals (USD 54) and teams (USD 229), alongside a custom plan for larger organizations.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33810">September 2024</a>, the company acquired Industrial Training International (ITI), enabling the company to provide immersive simulation training solutions for crane and rigging operations across various job sites.Key customers and partnershipsNotable customers include Tesla and Rheem Manufacturing. Interplay’s customer usage rose by 445% YoY in 2020. As of February 2021, the platform had over 2,000 customers and 110,000 users across the US.

Interplay Learning

Switzerland-based WayRay develops holographic AR technology and hardware for the automobile sector. Its technology is used in head-up displays (HUDs) that project images into a driver’s field of vision to assist with navigation. Although its initial focus was on developing HUDs that can be purchased and installed in any vehicle, it has since pivoted to producing embedded HUD systems (i.e., hardware built into vehicles). WayRay’s HUDs are considered to provide a wider field of vision and combine data (location and mapping information) with vision data to generate images by projecting a laser beam through a Picture Generating Unit (PGU) onto a Holographic Optical Element (HOE).&nbsp;In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18537">May 2023</a>, WayRay announced integration of its AR displays into Tesla Model 3's in Switzerland, with plans to follow shortly afterwards in the US. Previously, in September 2021 the company launched its deep reality system that replaces the traditional car dashboard. In addition, WayRay launched “The Holograktor” dubbed the first “metaverse on wheels”, which can be driven conventionally or using a remote control via a 5G and satellite connection (November 2021).&nbsp;The company’s founder and CEO, Vitaly Ponomarev, identified that its systems are more advanced, backed by more patents, and potentially 20x smaller than comparable devices in the market. WayRay’s HQ in Switzerland also acts as a product design and development hub, while its R&amp;D center and prototyping factory are based in Russia.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsThe company is backed by strategic investors such as luxury automaker Porsche, which highlighted the management’s expertise in space engineering, hardware, and software development as key reasons for its investment, Hyundai Motor Co., and Alibaba. It is also notable that these investors, particularly Hyundai, are looking at ways to potentially use WayRay’s technology to offer more services in the future. For instance, Hyundai believed that the technology could be used for smart cities and smart buildings, which are its new areas of interest.WayRay partnered with Karma Automotive, a producer of luxury electric vehicles, in December 2021 to support the implementation of its HUDs into their test fleet. Moreover, it partnered with a leader in designing and manufacturing specialty glass, AGP eGlass, in September 2021 to further proliferate its technology.&nbsp; Funding and financialsIt was reported in April 2021 that the company is considering a public listing at a USD 2 billion valuation via a SPAC, although no further updates on this have been announced as at January 2024.&nbsp;

WayRay

AmazeVR initially focused on developing VR technologies but pivoted to VR concerts in late 2019. The concerts are backed by proprietary 9K cameras and software that automate complex VR concert visual effects that run on more than 100 headsets simultaneously. Users join and hang out with other users as avatars while experiencing VR concerts. It intends to bring VR concerts by major artists to theaters and eventually, homes.AmazeVR rolled out its first commercial VR concert, which will feature 3x Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion, in 2022. The artist is expected to tour select AMC Theaters across the US. It is also in the final stages of closing deals with its second and third artists. AmazeVR also revealed plans to release weekly content by 2024 in theaters and for at-home viewers.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20145">July 2023</a>, AmazeVR launched its official AmazeVR Concerts app, featuring an exclusive VR concert from Swedish pop star, Zara Larsson. The app is available on major VR app stores, and the exclusive Zara Larsson VR concert can be accessed for a year at a launch price of USD 6.99. AmazeVR also produces and monetizes VR content on a subscription basis.As of August 2023, the company was in the process of producing and releasing mixed reality concerts by overlaying virtual elements onto live, real-world video.Funding and financialsThe company’s most recent funding was in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13338">September 2022</a>, when it raised USD 17 million in a Series B funding round led by Mirae Asset Capital. The fresh funds were allocated to expand partnerships with artists, artist management companies, labels, publishers, and agencies.

AmazeVR

Dispelix, based in Finland, designs and manufactures single-layer, full-color waveguide displays, a thin (about 1mm) transparent element that takes in a projected image and relays it to the eye, using a nanophotonics-based approach catering to AR applications (e.g., smart glasses). It uses laser beam scanning technology to render laser-sharp images with a gamut of color palettes, which are displayed using beam-combiner technology. Its patented and proprietary approach includes diffractive surface relief gratings, which are elements used for high-power laser applications, fabricated on high refractive index glass wafers that enhance field-of-view and image quality.The company had a total of more than 40 granted or pending patent families as of November 2021. Its product line, Dispelix DPX, includes Dispelix DPX - Ohut, Dispelix DPX - Selva, and Dispelix DPX - Sade with a varying degree of field of view, form factor, and weight. According to Co-Founder and CTO Juuso Olkkonen, its displays are the lightest and thinnest in the market.Key customers and partnerships 1) Collins Aerospace: to integrate Dispelix's advanced AR displays into Collins Aerospace's products (November 2024)2) Foxconn and Pegatron: to create reference designs for AR glasses based on its Selvä waveguide display (October 2023)&nbsp;3) VividQ: created a “waveguide combiner” which accurately displays variable-depth 3D content in a user’s environment (January 2023)4) ColorChip and Maradin: To further Light Beam Scanning (LBS) solutions for AR glasses (October 2022)5) Jade Bird Displays: To develop multiple reference designs for AR devices (June 2022)6) AAC Technologies: To improve waveguide displays for the AR and MR industry (March 2022)7) OQmented: for the development and commercialization of MEMS-based LBS technology (November 2021)8) Coretronic: To develop a range of AR optical module solutions (December 2020)9) Hoya Corporation: To improve quality of waveguide displays (November 2020)Funding and financialsIn its most recent funding round (November 2021), Dispelix raised USD 33 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Atlantic Bridge, CCB Trust, and Flashpoint with participation from Lifeline Ventures, VTT Ventures, and 3M Ventures. The funds were allocated to product development. It revealed that several OEM customers were slated to integrate its technology into their consumer offerings by 2023.&nbsp;

Dispelix

DigiLens is a developer of holographic waveguides, which is a clear, thin piece of glass or plastic, used for AR devices. In January 2023, the company launched ARGO, an XR smartglass designed for enterprise and industrial use, the first AR device to utilize Qualcomm’s SnapDragon XR2 platform. Other specifications included 6-degrees of freedom (6-DoF) tracking, a 30-degree field-of-view, spatial audio, a 48MP RGB camera, voice and gaze recognition, access to real-time data visualizations, and a 2,500-nits HD display.&nbsp;The company’s first product, the DigiLens Crystal was introduced in 2019, was a thin-film laser-etched photopolymer embedded with microscopic holograms of mirror-like optics. By projecting a micro display to one end of the lens and another set of optics working to guide the light wave toward the eye, this proved to be an ideal piece of hardware for AR devices, which are preferred with as little hardware as possible.&nbsp;It claims that its patented optical platform and photopolymer technology coupled with a holographic copy manufacturing process enable it to produce cheaper and more scalable solutions. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17598">April 2023</a>, the company announced the launch of SRG+, a surface relief gratings product that improves upon its waveguide technology.The company generates revenue by licensing its technology across a range of industries including the automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and military sectors. DigiLens also offers a white-label solution for automotive companies whereby it creates holographic waveguides for windshields that could offer in-cabin experiences for drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsKey partnerships include that with1) Phantom Technologies: - Phantom Technology: To integrate Phantom's CASSI Spatial AI assistant into the DigiLens ARGO glasses, providing features such as spatial search, a contextual assistant, and task management using voice commands (October 2023)2) Wisear: To integrate its neural interface-powered earphones with the ARGO smart glasses (May 2023)3) Mojo Vision: To utilize Mojo Vision's micro-LED technology to build improved AR glasses (May 2023)4) Taqtile: To integrate the company's ARGO smart glasses with Taqtile's AR work platform, Manifest (May 2023)5) OMNIVISION: To develop new XR product offerings (January 2023)Other partnerships include that with OMNIVISION (January 2023), a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions to develop new XR product offerings. OMNIVISION’s liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels allowed DigiLens to build LCOS/LED projectors optimized for its holographic waveguides. OMNIVISION's core camera technology provides DigiLens' devices with features such as visual odometry and six degrees of freedom.&nbsp;DigiLens also works with Taiwanese licensed waveguide manufacturer Young Optics, Chinese original design manufacturer and electronics supplier Malata, Korean display manufacturer Sekonix, international technology company Continental, Chinese optical elements manufacturer Crystal Optech, and Mitsubishi Chemical.&nbsp;Funding and financialsIn April 2022, DigiLens announced the second close of its Series D funding round (intiial close in November 2021) in which it raised USD 50 million at a valuation of USD 530 million. The funds were allocated for the development of DesignV1, its second-generation product.

DigiLens

Companies developing XR headsets and relevant sub-components (displays, sensors, and processors). Also includes complementary XR hardware (tracking devices, haptic vests, and gloves)

Companies offering engines that enable the development of AR/VR content, also includes companies offering capabilities to capture and create 3D images for immersive environments

Companies offering AR/VR solutions or toolkits for specific industry applications, including VR game developers

Companies offering location-based AR/VR experiences

AR/VR platforms offer remote assistance to field experts and headset manufacturers facilitate virtual work

Some solutions in the "content" segment are offered under a B2B SaaS model

Headsets and content segments provide the building blocks for the metaverse

AR, VR, and MR are the primary enabling technologies for the XR industry

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 Wevr, a company that creates immersive experiences, successfully raised a funding of USD 3.5 million from HTC VIVE and Epic Games. The new funds will be used to expand Wevr's Virtual Studio technology and enhance the company's real-time 3D production capabilities. This will facilitate the creation of more advanced immersive experiences.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 The funding round is notably smaller than its previous one in which it raised USD 25 million in <a href="https: 
//techcrunch.com/2016/02/05/wevr-raises-25m-announces-cross-platform-vr-content-network/"> 2016 </a> geared toward VR content creation capabilities. The fresh funding also indicates an expansion of the company’s services, moving into spatial content creation following the launch of the Apple Vision Pro.

Wevr

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