Tag Archives: AR

News, Technology

SynergyXR Secures €2 Million Investment to revolutionize industrial XR solutions

Danish software company SynergyXR has secured a €2 million investment from Finnish industrial technology-VC, Kvanted, alongside their existing investors. The investment is a targeted boost to help SynergyXR secure topline and bottom-line growth as a preferred XR and spatial computing software provider to industrial companies throughout the Nordics and the United Kingdom.

The next ‘Industrial Revolution’ of the manufacturing, process, and production industries – also known as the Digital Transformation – is well on its way in the Nordics and the United Kingdom.

Danish software provider, SynergyXR, is at the forefront of this transition, with XR and spatial computing technology becoming popular tools for companies to start or scale this process.

Driving transformation with innovative XR–tech

Finnish VC Kvanted recognizes the potential of this technology. Subsequently, Kvanted – and a group of existing SynergyXR investors – have just invested €2 million in the Danish scaleup.

Kvanted specializes in investments in technology companies that improve and disrupt the industrial value chain and shape society for the better, and SynergyXR is a perfect fit for this mission.

“We are thrilled to fuel the fire of innovation by partnering with pioneers who redefine the limits of software and hardware. SynergyXR is not just creating technology; they are crafting the future of industrial digital transformation. Its proven software solution will likely revolutionize manufacturing, offering unparalleled opportunities to improve the safety and development of employees, while at the same time making industrial processes more efficient. This is the kind of tangible, transformative value we are excited to support,” says Eerik Paasikivi, Founding Partner of Kvanted.

Proven technology attracts investors and market interest

Digital transformation is important because it allows organizations to adapt to ever-changing rules and regulations, as well as continually helping organizations improve and innovate.

More importantly, it is a competitive advantage, according to SynergyXR CEO Mads Troelsgaard. Likewise, he argues that the company’s industry-proven technology is a competitive advantage:

“In today’s dynamic digital landscape, transformation is not just about staying relevant; it is about seizing the lead with technology that’s already proven its worth. Despite a tightening investment climate, our ability to not only retain our trusted investors but also welcome Kvanted into our circle is a testament to our vision’s strength and our technology’s impact. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards accelerating our growth across the Nordics and the UK – and Northen Europe and the US, as well – setting new benchmarks for success in our industry.”

Facts and figures

  • The total investment equals €2 million or approximately DKK 15 million.
  • Lead investor is Finnish industrial technology-VC Kvanted (www.kvanted.com).
  • Additional existing investors are EIFO, Innovester, North-East Ventures and AURA Ventures.
  • SynergyXR’s goal is to secure significant topline and bottom-line growth.
  • XR (Extended Reality) is a broad umbrella term that encompasses spatial computing technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
News

Gen Z driving shift towards more immersive shopping experiences, reveals global study

Research released from Snap uncovers the trends that Gen Z are leading in shaping online and retail culture. The global study, of nearly 5,000 Gen Z carried out in partnership with Crowd DNA, reveals a significant shift toward this cohort embracing immersive shopping experiences. The results also reveal what motivates Gen Z to engage with brands, what brands need to do to build deeper connections, and why brands need to embrace AR to remain relevant.

As the true ‘digital native’ generation, visual communication is key for Gen Z, with 92% of UK respondents saying they have used some form of visual communication when messaging friends, and 3 in 5 say that they are using it to get a more personal connection. This cohort has embraced AR, with 93% of respondents interested in using AR for shopping according to the study. In the UK other key findings include:

  • 88% are interested in using AR to try on makeup or clothes
  • 50% agree that digital avatars / Bitmojis help them to express themselves
  • 60% saying AR experiences feel more personal
  • More than 60% that AR experiences make life easier
  • More than half (51%) of Gen Z are more likely to pay attention to an ad that incorporates AR

The study reveals that Gen Z care deeply about society and the environment, and the social impact of their lifestyles, with 66% in the UK study saying they feel a responsibility to make the world a better place. 67% also state they find value in taking action for the collective good, and these respondents are three times more likely to want to use AR shopping tools to help reduce carbon emissions and their personal environmental impact.

The study also shows that Gen Z values relationships now more than any other generation, with nearly 3 in 4 also agreeing that connecting with close friends is the simplest way for them to feel happier. 69% of UK Gen Z respondents actually plan on spending more time connecting in person than before the pandemic (vs 63% of Millennials and 59% of Gen X).

Jo Tenzer, Head of EMEA Marketing Insights at Snapchat, comments, “This global study of 5000 is a true barometer of how Gen Z are feeling and communicating. A powerful theme emerging from the study is the particularly strong desire among Gen Z to create meaningful connections with people and brands. Brands need to respond to this by being open, honest and clear with their goals, motivations and values. With a desire to express their true selves creatively and visually, Gen Z are also seeking fun, personalised, immersive and social experiences. AR offers the tool for brands to seamlessly facilitate this by enhancing real world experiences.”

News

Leading law firm partners with North West innovation hub to support tech businesses

Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell is partnering with innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, to provide specialist legal advice to technology businesses in the North West.

 

The new partnership will allow the HOST community to have direct access to initial pro bono legal advice through physical and virtual support from Irwin Mitchell’s leading media and innovation team.

 

Irwin Mitchell, which has 15 offices across the UK and an international network of law firms, will also provide tailored business support to members through events such as webinars, workshops, seminars and masterclasses.

 

This includes the sponsorship of HOST’s first event since it rebranded in March, Wellbeing LIVE in partnership with MediaCityUK is a full programme of mental health and wellbeing virtual events for the creative, media and tech industries from 17-21 May.

 

The hub’s mission is to establish an ecosystem that supports skills, growth and innovation in the region by providing diverse and inclusive opportunities, particularly to those individuals and businesses who may not have previously had access.

 

To further this mission, HOST is working closely with Laura Harper from Irwin Mitchell, a recognised leading advisor to businesses in the creative industries and digital sector.

 

With over 20 years of experience, Manchester-based Laura has in-depth knowledge of the video games sector and a strong track record in advising international clients from across the interactive entertainment industry, from AAA studios to indie developers and VR and AR businesses.

 

Following the recent announcement of HOST’s partnership with Unity and its first Centre of Excellence in the UK, Laura’s expertise in the video games industry will be of vital support on areas including games development, intellectual property, acquisition and investment.

 

HOST at Media City combines the three pillars of skills, innovation and start up all under one roof, with a focus on building a world-leading reputation in data science, cyber, AI and immersive technologies.

 

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, operators of HOST, said: “We are delighted to announce Irwin Mitchell as HOST’s specialist legal partner. Laura and the media and innovation team join HOST with a wealth of experience in working alongside businesses in the creative industries and video games sector.

 

“With its national and international network of law firms, HOST’s innovation community will have access to every aspect of intellectual property and legal advice, which is a key part of the wraparound support we wish to bring to our members as they navigate out of the pandemic and look to a positive future ahead.”

 

Laura Harper, Irwin Mitchell partner and media & entertainment sector lead, said: “We are proud to be working alongside HOST as their official legal partner and are looking forward to assisting them with sector specific events, together with tailored legal and business advice.

 

“Irwin Mitchell has a strong tradition of providing advice to businesses in the technology and media sector. Working in partnership with the new home of the UK video games industry allows us to build on this work and continue playing our part in the success of local creative businesses.

 

“There will be plenty of opportunities to work with HOST on various projects and initiatives and our media and innovation team can’t wait to get started. MediaCityUK is fast becoming the hub for next generation entertainment and we are delighted to be part of such a key project in the heart of Manchester and supporting North West business and the local digital economy.”

News

Resonance appoints Nadia Nizar as Director of Influencer Relations to offer B2B organisations united communications strategies

Resonance, the data-driven PR, AR, and inbound marketing consultancy, has appointed Nadia Nizar as Director of Influencer Relations to lead its expanding Analyst Relations (AR) division.

In the digital era, the B2B buying journey has increased in scope and complexity. Digital-native millennials are moving into the decision-making seats and now have all the information they desire at their fingertips. From search engines, social media, analyst reports, media and other digital channels, researching solutions to their problems has never been easier. As a consequence, third party, credible sources of information have increased their influence the buying decision.

It is vital that organisations have a united communications strategy that speaks to buyers at every stage. AR is a critical part of this journey, improving corporate reputation, business’ go-to-market offering and their end product roadmap.

Having worked in both agency and in-house environments, Nadia understands the importance of uniting PR, AR and inbound outreach and aligning with product marketing. She has 20 years of corporate communications experience and has evoked real business impact with her influencer relations strategies and knowledge.

Claire Williamson, Co-Managing Director, Resonance, said: “Nadia brings a wealth of expertise, experience and insight to our team. Resonance is committed to helping its clients deliver and prove value aligned to the overriding business objectives. The AR division that Nadia leads is a significant pillar of this. Nadia’s extensive background in technology influencer relations marries perfectly with our vision of delivering better outcomes for our clients. She understands that, like everything else in business, AR must be measurable and demonstrate real ROI for clients.”

Nadia Nizar, Resonance’s Influencer Relations Director, said: “Businesses are beginning to understand that AR is a strategic part of their go-to-market. Where once AR’s value was considered top of the funnel awareness, now influencer relations is at the heart of sales, business strategy and growth. I’m really looking forward to leading analyst relations team and being part of an expert group of individuals offering bespoke communications strategies that join the dots between business, marketing and sales.”

Alongside expanding Resonance’s AR division, as a former in-house expert, Nadia will work with the management team to focus on innovating in an industry still relatively untouched by digital transformation.

Claire Williamson, Managing Director, Resonance, added: “Nadia has sat on both sides of the table – agency and in-house – and she understands what generates results. She also brings a fresh approach, helping us in our goals to drive our goals of innovating for our industry. We are already working with multinational clients on their AR strategies as part of their overarching communications plans, and we look forward to this service expanding under Nadia’s expert approach.”