Founded by Michael Guerin and Adele Keane in 2021, Dublin-based Imvizar wants to change the way we tell stories using the power of augmented reality tech.
When artificial intelligence took centre stage in the world of tech last year, another emerging technology had to give way by stepping back for a while: virtual and augmented reality.
But with the recent in advances in the technology such as Meta’s Quest 3 and then the release of Apple Vision Pro earlier this month, VR and AR tech is seeing something of a comeback as the metaverse once again looks like a viable prospect for future communications.
And our latest Start-up of the Week, Imvizar, finds itself scaling in the midst of all of this. Founded by Michael Guerin and Adele Keane in 2021, Imvizar is wants to change the way we tell stories using the power of augmented reality.
“We’ve made it simple for anyone to craft and share spatial stories, thanks to our no-code tool and platform,” says Guerin, an expert in extended reality and smart city projects who is also CEO of the company.
“Our mission is to deepen connections between people and places. Whether it’s a bustling tourist spot, a serene public park or a buzzing tech office, we aim to make every visit unforgettable through immersive storytelling. Imvizar brings narratives off the page and into the environment around you, turning locations into interactive stages for stories.”
In just three years of existence, Imvizar has launched more than 70 experiences across the world, with clients such as Salesforce, Carlichauns and North Carolina State University.
According to Guerin, the start-up has been likened by some to the Netflix for AR.
“We’re not just about watching stories unfold; we’re about stepping into them, making every story a journey to be explored. This innovative leap into spatial storytelling opens up a new world of creativity and engagement, inviting everyone to not just tell stories but to live them,” he explains.
“We’re diving into a market at the crux of a major shift in storytelling and technology. Today’s world craves visual storytelling; it’s how younger generations communicate, through platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.”
Increasing access to 3D content
Imvizar shifted from desktop into mobile computing, and now, with giants like Apple and Meta leading the charge in the space, the start-up is focusing on spatial computing with the advent of AR and VR headsets – responding to a demand for immersive, visual experiences.
“Our opportunity lies in bridging the gap between this desire for immersive storytelling and the emerging realm of spatial computing. Currently, creating content for this space is predominantly a developer’s game, requiring coding skills that many potential storytellers lack,” he goes on.
“We envision a world where creating 3D content is as accessible as designing a flyer on Canva – no years of learning complex software needed. Connectivity has evolved too; from passive interactions, 4G brought us video, and now 5G is paving the way for digital overlays, transforming our interactions from flat screens to three-dimensional, immersive experiences.
“We believe in content that enhances the world around us, offering digital layers that add to our reality, not isolate us within it.”
Imvizar’s target market? Guerin says the technology is for anyone with a story to tell, using the world as their canvas.
“From filmmakers to big brands, we empower creative individuals across the board to share their visions in an engaging, interactive manner, without the barrier of technical know-how. Imvizar is set to democratise spatial storytelling, inviting everyone to not just observe the world but to actively participate in reimagining it,” he says.
“Our platform is built on the principle that technology should be guided by intuition, making it accessible and easy to use for everyone. We’ve engineered our tools to let users create and access AR content effortlessly, without requiring them to understand the complex technology underneath.”
Currently finalising a smaller investment round that will significantly bolster its capabilities, Imvizar is focusing on its no-code tool and expanding its development team. Guerin said there are plans to open a more substantial investment round towards the end of this year or early next year.
It previously raised €800,000 in seed funding about a year ago in an oversubscribed funding round, backed by Enterprise Ireland and the Halo Business Angels Network. Other backers included former Meta executive Gareth Lambe and Pigsback.com founder Michael Dwyer.
“By strengthening our development capabilities now, we’re setting the stage for accelerated growth and expanded market reach in the near future,” Guerin says. “Our goal with the upcoming larger investment round is to further solidify our position in the market, drive innovation, and expand our impact globally.”
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