Participated · Seed · Jul 2018

Jido Maps develops a backend 'save button' for persistent AR worlds that remembers where AR sessions ended and how virtual objects were left in physical spaces. The company focuses on understanding the underlying structure and relationships between objects in a space rather than relying solely on point clouds. That semantic approach aims to make relocalization robust to transient changes like moving people by focusing on static fixtures. Jido offers a lightweight API and emphasizes a multiplayer workflow that builds the mesh during play rather than requiring pre-scanning. The startup recently graduated from Y Combinator and is working with game studio Happy Giant on a title called QuasAR to showcase a simple multiplayer laser-tag experience. Financially, Jido Maps has raised a $2.1 million seed round led by Khosla Ventures with participation from GFR Fund, Seraph Group, Outpost Capital and others.

Participated · Series A · May 2017

Upload operates in virtual reality with three core domains: co-working, education and media, having shifted the UploadVR brand to its media arm earlier this year. The company opened a 20,000 square-foot office in Los Angeles and emphasizes education initiatives developed with Google, HTC and Udacity, while its San Francisco site houses more than 35 companies in co-working. Upload has 17 full-time employees and uses a large number of contractors to scale operations. Funds raised have been earmarked to expand Upload LA and to support the official launch of Upload EDU. The company also maintains its media arm and continues to develop its co-working and education offerings across its locations.

Participated · Seed · Jul 2016

Kite & Lightning is a Los Angeles–based virtual reality studio building Bebylon Battle Royale: A Gentleman’s Game, described by the studio as a 'Smash Bros-esque' baby brawler. The team has produced VR and interactive experiences such as the Senza Peso Italian mini-opera and branded work for NBC’s The Voice. The company currently operates with two full-time employees and plans to hire at least two more, plus additional staff for its beachfront LA office. It raised $2.5 million in seed funding to support development of Bebylon and ongoing content creation. The studio emphasizes immersive, comedic worlds where players craft characters, spectate live gladiatorial stages, and explore in-world shows and characters.