Led · Equity · Jun 2024

Futureverse develops an AI and metaverse technology stack and a suite of tools that blend Web2 accessibility with Web3 interoperability, including Pass (digital passport), DOT (Dynamic Object Transfer), Swappables and Wearables Engine, DOC (Dynamic Object Creator), and JEN (text-to-music). It has developed The Root Network, a Layer 1 optimized for seamless interoperability across the open metaverse, and maintains one of the largest digital collectible communities. Futureverse is extending its reach through partnerships and IP projects such as the Readyverse collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and a branded Reebok Impact AI fashion experience. The company is focused on growing its token ecosystem—ROOT, ASTO (AI protocol), and SYLO (communication/social graph protocol)—as a central part of its platform strategy. Recent strategic activity includes a proposed mutual investment with Animoca Brands involving an equity swap valued at US$5 million and a proposed Futureverse valuation of US$754 million. Future plans emphasize deploying Futureverse’s generative AI assets and interoperability tools across Animoca Brands’ portfolio to scale adoption and developer usage. Futureverse is a platform made up of 11 companies that span gaming studios, web3 payments, and blockchain tooling for brands and builders. The company defines the metaverse as a collection of interoperable applications built on user data and aims to make the underlying blockchain technology invisible to end users. Futureverse builds experiences where users typically don't need to know they are interacting with web3 or NFTs, exemplified by a FIFA Women's World Cup game that runs on blockchain without exposing that layer to players. Co-founders Aaron McDonald (CEO) and Shara Senderoff emphasize practical brand partnerships and client-focused products rather than foregrounding the tech. The company has pursued partnerships with FIFA and F1 to build branded digital platforms and fan experiences. Financially, Futureverse recently completed a $54 million Series A.

Participated · Seed · May 2024

Nucanon is developing a co-pilot for Narrative Designers that uses large language models to assist, not replace, human-driven storytelling. The product aims to speed up pain points in narrative design such as background beats, managing lore complexity, branching dialogue, stakeholder management, pitching, and localisation. The founder frames the work around preserving emotional, human-to-human experiences in games while leveraging LLM capabilities. Nucanon recently closed a $500k pre-seed round to advance the product and go-to-market. The founder (Nilu) describes raising capital as challenging as a solo immigrant founder and thanks the Australian startup ecosystem and early advisors for support. No revenue or user metrics were disclosed in the post.

Participated · Seed · Nov 2022

Walker Labs is building Walker World, an Unreal Engine 5-powered, AAA-quality open-world third-person shooter and adventure game designed for the metaverse. The game features a roughly 1,500-square-mile open world, 3D animated full-body characters called Walkers, multiplayer modes, quests, and a player-driven virtual economy where assets can be bought, sold, or traded. Walker World emphasizes interoperability and cross-world digital identity, allowing Walkers to be used across other games and platforms. The studio plans a beta launch in late 2023, a Walker World land sale and store in H1 2023, and a public sale of a $WALK token in H1 2023; a female Walker collection was slated for early December 2022. Operational milestones include integration of 6,545 Walker characters (Cryptowalkers) into Jadu's Web3 AR platform, The Mirrorverse. The team is composed of industry veterans from AAA developers including EA, Ubisoft, DICE, Rovio and Weta Workshop.