Virtual Arts builds DanceFight, a free mobile app that stages side-by-side, skills-based competitions (primarily dance) and lets viewers pick winners; monetization comes from in-app purchases, ads, and sponsorships. The app launched on Apple about eight weeks before the article and was featured as an “Apps We Love.” The company is working with major labels (Sony, Warner, Universal) and artists like Pitbull for licensed dance challenges and access to songs. Virtual Arts uses Hive AI to help block inappropriate content and has removed commenting and direct messaging to reduce harassment. The startup plans an Android release in October, international expansion later in the year, and a rebrand to expand beyond dance into singing, comedy, sports tricks, and other competitions. It also plans an equity pool to reward contributors and intends to grow headcount from 17 current employees (11 full-time, 6 part-time) by about 20 hires over the next year.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Aug 2020