NetEase internet technology company dedicated to providing premium online services centered around content, community, communication and commerce.  NetEase develops and operates some of the most popular PC-client and mobile games. Also, we operate Yanxuan, an e-commerce platform that caters to the rising middle-class consumer markets well as offering advertising, e-mail and other innovative services including music and online education.

NetEase

Dawn Patrol Ventures is a venture capital firm that is based in Santa Monica, California. The firm seeks to make early stage investments in the media technology startup companies.

Dawn Patrol Ventures

Keeler Investments Group invests in Pre-Seed and Seed technology company's in Seattle and San Francisco. Current focus on Convergence tech (where AI/ML, Computer Vision, Spatial Audio, Voice, Robotics are transforming industry and B2B) and Consumer.

Keeler Investments Group

Family Angel Management Fund (FAM Fund) invests in Pre-Seed and Seed technology companies.

Family Angel Management Fund

Keiretsu Capital provides access to proprietary deal flow to its investors. Keiretsu Capital works to increase the value of investments undertaken by Keiretsu Forum members by assisting in the successful presentation of the portfolio companies to investors including syndicate partners, venture capitalists, corporate investors, and the public markets. It aims to provide significant capital appreciation through investment in high quality emerging companies that have been funded by the world’s largest angel investor network, Keiretsu Forum, as well as other top tier angel groups.

Keiretsu Capital

Keiretsu Forum is an investment community of accredited private equity investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors. Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. The community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities.  They are a worldwide network of capital, resources and deal flow with chapters in Andalucía, Barcelona, Beijing, Boise, Chennai, India, Donostia/San Sebastián, East Bay, Istanbul, Kirkland-Eastside, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Miami, New York, North Bay, Orange County, Paris, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Spokane-Inland, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Vancouver, Ventura County, Victoria-Vancouver Island/BC , Washington D.C., Waterloo-Wellington  ''Keiretsu'' definition Keiretsu is a Japanese term describing a group of affiliated corporations with broad power and reach. Keiretsu Forum is described as a conglomeration of individuals or small companies that are organized around private equity funding for mutual benefit. Keiretsu Forum believes that through a holistic approach that includes interlocking relationships with partners and key resources, they can offer an association that produces the highest quality deal-flow and investment opportunities.

Keiretsu Forum

Taylor Frigon Capital Management LLC (TFCM) is a respected leader in wealth planning and investment management, providing services for individuals, families, and businesses nationwide. TFCM is a independent, privately owned advisory firm registered with the SEC.

Taylor Frigon

Mason Avenue Investments

Upheaval investments is a seed through growth stage venture firm that invests in groundbreaking technologies led by bold founder vision.

Upheaval Investments

Votiv Capital is a media group advancing talent through artist management, film development/production, and venture capital.

Votiv Capital

Verizon Ventures seeks and invests in promising entrepreneurial companies who are tackling some of today’s biggest technological challenges for Verizon's consumer and enterprise customers.  Over the last decade Verizon Ventures has invested in more than forty companies covering a range of industries, technologies and market segments. Verizon Ventures offers support to its portfolio companies with technology and product development, market planning and sales, and access to the networks and platforms of Verizon Communications.  Combining the power of experienced investment professionals with a focused venture development team, Verizon Ventures connects innovators with strategic and financial resources that advance their businesses.

Verizon Ventures

SLO Seed Ventures is a membership group of accredited investors with a variety of backgrounds and business experiences providing resources for early-stage start-ups, in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. As local residents and business people in San Luis Obispo county, SLO Seed Ventures members have a passion for the innovative and entrepreneurial ideas fomented here on the Central Coast. SLO Seed Ventures is a member of the Angel Capital Association and syndicates deals with other angel groups.

SLO Seed Ventures

Advanced Input Systems, part of Esterline Interface Technologies, has developed thousands of custom solutions for numerous companies in the medical, industrial, defense, and gaming industries.   Custom Input Devices, Control Panels, and User Interfaces, Display and Touch Screen Integration, Custom and Rugged Keyboards, Tethered and Wireless handhelds.

Advanced Input Systems

Crescent Cove Advisors is an investment firm.

Crescent Cove Advisors

HaptX

HaptX® makes technology that simulates touch sensation with unprecedented realism. HaptX Gloves enable natural interaction and realistic haptic feedback in virtual reality for the first time. Built with patented microfluidic technology, HaptX Gloves feature 130 points of touch feedback, apply 4 lbs. of resistive force feedback per finger, and track hand motions with sub-millimeter precision. Founded by Jake Rubin and Dr. Bob Crockett, HaptX has 35 employees, with offices in Seattle, WA and San Luis Obispo, CA.

HaptX is a developer of haptic technology that provides the sensation of touch in a VR environment. Its latest product, the enterprise-focused Haptx Gloves G1, is priced at USD 4,500, comes in multiple sizes and offers wireless mobility, multiplayer collaboration and a more ergonomic design relative to its predecessor. The gloves are built with patented microfluidic technology which would inflate and physically displace the user’s skin the way a real object would. This contrasts to other VR gloves, which are limited to vibration and force feedback.

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

HaptX Begins North American Shipments of HaptX Gloves G1™, World's Most Realistic Touch Feedback System

HaptX is a developer of haptic technology that provides the sensation of touch in a VR environment. Its latest product, the enterprise-focused Haptx Gloves G1, is priced at USD 4,500, comes in multiple sizes and offers wireless mobility, multiplayer collaboration and a more ergonomic design relative to its predecessor. The gloves are built with patented microfluidic technology which would inflate and physically displace the user’s skin the way a real object would. This contrasts to other VR gloves, which are limited to vibration and force feedback.The company previously launched its HaptX Gloves DK2 in January 2021, priced at USD 5,495. The HaptX Gloves DK2 can also be used to control robots (e.g., hands, grippers, and arms) and maneuver them from a distance and receive touch information through the HaptX gloves.Additionally, the company’s SDK allows developers to incorporate realistic touch functions for their applications. The company also generates revenue from its Haptics Subscription program, providing access to its SDK for USD 495 per month.Government and enterprise use cases include VR training and simulation, industrial design, and robotics. As of September 2022, the company stated that its ultimate goal was to develop a haptic-based full body suit.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21878">September 2023</a>, the company partnered with Y-12 National Security Complex to integrate its haptic feedback gloves into Y-12’s virtual glove box simulator, allowing for realistic simulated tactile and force feedback.The company also partnered with Lowe’s to prototype realistic touch simulation for retail customers in July 2023.Funding and financialsThe company’s most recent funding came in September 2022, when it raised USD 23 million in a funding round co-led by AIS Global and Crescent Cove Advisors. The fresh funds were allocated to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation HaptX Gloves and double its headcount.

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

HaptX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) to develop virtual reality (VR) technology for US government training missions. Under the agreement, HaptX Gloves will be integrated into training sessions at CNS-operated facilities. The collaboration will involve improving virtual training environments and application features, with a focus on high-hazard scenarios. HaptX has previously partnered with Lowe's to develop touch simulation for retail customers and has also launched an R&D facility called X-Lab for further haptic innovations.

HaptX

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