BITKRAFT Ventures was founded in 2015 by german serial entrepreneur, Jens Hilgers. BITKRAFT’s team is located in Berlin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Madrid and Lisbon covering videogames and esports investments not only digitally but in the most relevant and busy metropoles for digital entertainment in the Western world.

BITKRAFT Ventures

The mission at Build Ventures is to help founders build companies. Period. They provide early stage capital to emerging, game-changing Atlantic Canadian technology companies. Their team has deep operational and investment experience. The startup journey can be challenging, but they know what it takes and they are here to help.  They’re based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and are focused on companies in Atlantic Canada. They like to invest after your seed round. Ideally, you have begun to build a great team, have a product solving a meaningful problem and are working in what is – or one day will become -- a huge market.

Build Ventures

NTT DOCOMO Ventures is the venture capital arm of NTT DOCOMO, Inc. specializing in investments in incubation, early stage, middle stage, and later/pre-IPO stage companies. It prefers to invest in the field of information technology, telecommunications, content platform services, battery power, authentication security, BigData, a solution with devices, cloud, and communication platforms. The firm invests in and outside of Japan. It seeks to invest up to about USD $2 million to USD $3 million per investment. It prefers to seek minority stakes of around 20% or less per portfolio. The firm seeks to exit its investments through sales of stocks or transfer of shares to DOCOMO and NTT Group companies. It also runs an accelerator program called DOCOMO Incubation Program. Docomo Innovation Ventures, previously known as NTT Investment Partners Inc., was established on February 20, 2008, and is based in Minato, Chiba, Japan.

NTT DOCOMO Ventures

HBSE Ventures is a venture capital fund focused on sports-tech.

HBSE Ventures

Early stage investors supporting transformational leaders and organizations who focus on propelling the world forward.

NaHCO3

CloudTree Ventures is focused on the technologies driving interactive entertainment and the metaverse.

CloudTree Ventures

Autodesk develops 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, and media industries. It offers AutoCAD software, a computer-aided design application for professional design, drafting, detailing, and visualization; AutoCAD LT, a professional drafting and detailing software; Autodesk Building Design Suites to manage various phases of design and construction; Autodesk Revit products that provide model-based design and documentation systems; Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites; AutoCAD Civil 3D products for surveying, designing, analysis, and documentation; AutoCAD Map 3D software, which offers direct access to data needed for infrastructure planning, design, and management; Autodesk Product Design Suites for digital prototyping; Autodesk Inventor that allows manufacturers to go beyond 3D design to digital prototyping; AutoCAD Mechanical software to accelerate the mechanical design process; and Autodesk Moldflow family of injection molding simulation software; Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max software products for 3D modeling, animation, effects, rendering, and compositing solutions as well as Autodesk Flame, Autodesk Smoke, and Autodesk Lustre software applications that offer editing, finishing, and visual effects design and color grading solutions. Autodesk, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in San Rafael, California.

Autodesk

Epic Games is an American video game and software company that creates games and offers its game engine technology to other developers. It specializes in developing games, and engine technology and operates a game store that empowers others to make quality games and 3D content, thereby providing game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and virtual reality devices.

Epic Games

Susquehanna Private Capital, LLC (“SPC”) was founded in 2016 to make private investments in middle market companies.  They are a member of the Susquehanna International Group of Companies (“SIG”), one the world’s largest privately-held financial services firms. Founded in 1987, SIG has grown to nearly 2,000 employees across the globe. They are also affiliated with Susquehanna Growth Equity (“SGEP”), a leading growth equity investment firm. SGEP was founded in 2006 to make growth equity investments in rapidly growing technology-based companies. To date, SGEP has successfully backed over 35 companies, including market leaders such as Credit Karma and Payoneer among many others.

Susquehanna Private Capital

A tech-focused fund. We focus on Fintech and Deeptech in Europe that have the ambition and potential to scale their business in Asia. We offer strong post-investment support to portfolio companies with our prestigious business and investor network in the region. Typical investments are USD$2-5 million for Series A and B, with the flexibility to follow on in later rounds or in an Asian subsidiary.

QBN Capital

LLLP

Arcturus

Arcturus is a software company that specializes in the post-production and streaming of volumetric videos. The company's platform, Holosuite, enables creatives to finesse and amplify volumetric captures to fit artistic and production goals. HoloSuite is designed to author, edit, and stream volumetrically captured performers so that producers can create immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences using live-action performances.

Arcturus is a volumetric technology company focusing on multiple industries including entertainment and media. It is the developer of “HoloSuite,” a platform for volumetric video editing and distribution that allows the creation of immersive live-action performances. Holosuite contains tools including HoloEdit, HoloCompute, and HoloStream to edit, compress, and stream volumetric videos. The tools include features such as non-linear editing, flexible workflows, and web-based viewing. Also, notably, the group of founders including Ewan Johnson and Andy Stack were previously part of companies such as Pixar, YouTube, Dreamworks, and Google.&nbsp;

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

Arcturus falls after detailed Phase 1 data for cystic fibrosis therapy

Arcturus is a volumetric technology company focusing on multiple industries including entertainment and media. It is the developer of “HoloSuite,” a platform for volumetric video editing and distribution that allows the creation of immersive live-action performances. Holosuite contains tools including HoloEdit, HoloCompute, and HoloStream to edit, compress, and stream volumetric videos. The tools include features such as non-linear editing, flexible workflows, and web-based viewing. Also, notably, the group of founders including Ewan Johnson and Andy Stack were previously part of companies such as Pixar, YouTube, Dreamworks, and Google.&nbsp;Notable platform updates include the introduction of Accelerated Volumetric Video (AVV) (November 2023), which the company claims is the world's first high-performance, volumetric compression codec.&nbsp; In December 2022, the company announced the release of multiple updates to its HoloSuite platform including ‘Blend’ developed to blend volumetric video clips. Further, Arcturus claims to be the only capture-agnostic post-production platform for volumetric videos.&nbsp;The company offers the Holosuite platform on a subscription basis starting from USD 3,750 per user per year.Key customers and partnershipsArcturus’s client base includes companies such as Warner Media, VIVE, and NTT Docomo.&nbsp;In December 2023, Arcturus became the go-to-market partner for Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Capture Studios tech, integrating with Arcturus HoloSuite tools.Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14709">November 2022</a>, the company raised USD 11 million in a Series A funding round led by Cloudtree Ventures. The funds were utilized to further develop its flagship platform “Holosuite” and to expand its research in new AI tools and technologies.&nbsp;

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.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.Funding and financialsIn its last funding round (February 2021), Interplay raised USD 18 million in Series B funding co-led by S3 Ventures and Owl Ventures, the world’s largest venture capital firm focused on education technology. As part of the deal, Managing Director of Owl Ventures, Ian Chiu, joined Interplay’s board. The funds were raised to expand its offering to new markets and to accelerate its vision to combine immersive learning experiences with a human connection.

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 partnerships1) Foxconn and Pegatron: to create reference designs for AR glasses based on its Selvä waveguide display (October 2023)&nbsp;2) VividQ: created a “waveguide combiner” which accurately displays variable-depth 3D content in a user’s environment (January 2023)3) ColorChip and Maradin: To further Light Beam Scanning (LBS) solutions for AR glasses (October 2022)4) Jade Bird Displays: To develop multiple reference designs for AR devices (June 2022)5) AAC Technologies: To improve waveguide displays for the AR and MR industry (March 2022)6) OQmented: for the development and commercialization of MEMS-based LBS technology (November 2021)7) Coretronic: To develop a range of AR optical module solutions (December 2020)8) 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.

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

Immersive video editing platform Arcturus raises USD 11 million in Series A funding

Microsoft

Arcturus has been selected by Microsoft's Mixed Reality Capture Studios (MRCS) as their go-to-market partner, enabling content creators to access advanced volumetric video technology and high-quality 3D capture solutions.

Arcturus

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