Rival, a London-based startup, has raised $4.2 million to develop an innovative 3D content creation platform designed for spatial computing headsets. The platform enables users to watch immersive 3D short videos similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels, but with a focus on spatial computing devices such as Meta Quest. Users can easily create and share their own content, with the added capability to convert 2D videos into a 3D experience using Rival’s unique AI model, solving the content gap that often limits headset engagement.
Founded by Alexander Oppermann, an entrepreneur with a background in private equity, and Konrad Melzer, a machine learning engineer who previously developed security software for the German FBI, Rival began as a side project and has since attracted a team of engineers from major tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon. Since its inception in July 2023, the company has been developing its product and now plans to expand further, hiring more ML/AI engineers and targeting the U.S. market.
Rival’s platform currently supports Meta Quest headsets, with early access available for the 2D-to-3D conversion model. Support for other headsets, such as Apple Vision Pro and Pico, is in development.
Alexander Oppermann, co-founder and CEO of Rival, stated:
“We’re building a platform that removes technical barriers, enabling a new generation of creators to shape immersive digital experiences. Our technology solves the critical content gap that’s currently limiting the potential of spatial computing.”
The funding round was led by Speedinvest, with participation from New Renaissance Ventures and prominent angel investors. Victor Huerbe, Principal with Speedinvest’s Marketplaces and Consumer investment team, emphasized the company’s potential, saying, “Alex, Konrad, and the team move fast, and they’ve quietly built something game changing. We backed them because they’re not just iterating on existing tools, they’re building the foundation for how we’ll create and consume 3D content in the future.”
About Rival:
Founded in 2023 by Alexander Oppermann and Konrad Melzer, Rival Technologies is focused on solving the content gap in spatial computing. With a team from Google, Meta, and Amazon, the startup aims to transform how we create and consume 3D content on emerging headset technologies.
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