What companies invested in Metaverse? What factors made these companies do such an action? When we talk about interactive platforms, we mean virtual worlds. Decentraland, Sandbox, and, finally, Meta (Facebook) are all interactive platforms that allow you to socialize with your friends, buy, sell, create digital assets, and live a virtual life.
Why Metaverse?
Today, people have started preserving the value of digital assets, online banking, and online exchanges. Security will be of great importance to people, and no doubt they are not afraid of cash to keep their assets safe and private. Moreover, Metaverse is increasing its users daily, and as the number increases, people will be looking for the best and fastest Wi-Fi networks and devices. Starlink could be a good option for exposure to this area of investment in Metaverse. With its world-renowned GPU technology, NVIDIA could be another option for investors.
8 Companies that invested in Metaverse
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Google
Google, one of the leading tech giants, has shown its interest in the Metaverse by investing in various virtual reality and augmented reality companies. In 2019, Google acquired the virtual reality game development platform, Owlchemy Labs, which indicates the company’s intention to be a part of the Metaverse industry.
Furthermore, Google has also invested in the AR headset startup, Magic Leap, which focuses on creating immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality. In addition, Google’s ARCore platform enables developers to create AR applications for mobile devices, which could potentially be integrated into the Metaverse.
Overall, Google’s investments in the Metaverse ecosystem demonstrate the company’s commitment to exploring and contributing to this emerging industry. As the Metaverse continues to evolve and expand, Google’s involvement is likely to play a significant role in shaping its future.
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Microsoft
Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting companies looking to invest in Metaverse is Microsoft. Microsoft is one of the leading tech companies that have shown a significant interest in Metaverse technology. The company’s interest in Metaverse can be traced back to its acquisition of AltspaceVR in 2017. AltspaceVR is a virtual reality social platform that allows users to create and attend events in virtual spaces.
In addition to this, Microsoft has been working on its own Metaverse project called Mesh. Mesh is a mixed reality platform that allows users to interact with each other and digital content in real-time. It aims to create a more immersive and collaborative virtual environment for businesses and individuals.
Microsoft’s investment in Metaverse technology has the potential to transform the way people interact with each other and with digital content. It could have a significant impact on various industries, from gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare. As a company with vast resources and expertise in technology, Microsoft’s involvement in Metaverse could be a game-changer for the industry.
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Nvidia
Another one of the companies that invested in Metaverse is Nvidia. Nvidia, founded in 1993, is an American technology company known for producing graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming and professional use. As you can imagine, the company is fully prepared for the Metaverse boom.
Nvidia is one of the leading tech companies investing in the Metaverse. They are developing Omniverse, a platform that allows designers, artists, and engineers to collaborate in a virtual world. The platform uses Nvidia’s advanced graphics processing technology to create a high-fidelity and realistic environment.
Nvidia’s investment in the Metaverse is expected to have a significant impact on the development of the ecosystem, especially in terms of creating more immersive and interactive experiences for users.
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Unity
Unity is a leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D content. The company provides tools and services for game developers, filmmakers, and other creators to build immersive experiences for their audiences.
Unity currently powers 71% of the top 1,000 mobile games and 50% of all PC and console games, and nearly 5 billion devices worldwide run software designed by Unity. Of course, these are only a part of Unity’s impressive statistics.
In recent years, Unity has been making significant investments in the Metaverse space, including the acquisition of companies like Artomatix and Digital Monarch Media.
In October 2021, Unity announced the launch of Unity Metaverse, a platform for creating, publishing, and experiencing Metaverse content. The platform will enable creators to build and connect Metaverse experiences across various devices and platforms, including VR, AR, mobile, and web.
Unity’s investments in Metaverse have the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content and connect with others in virtual environments. The company’s expertise in real-time 3D content creation and distribution can help drive the development and adoption of Metaverse technologies, leading to new opportunities for creators, businesses, and users alike.
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Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that enables merchants to create online stores and sell their products. In recent years, Shopify has been exploring opportunities in the Metaverse. In 2021, Shopify announced the creation of the Metaverse team, which is focused on exploring the intersection of commerce and the Metaverse.
Shopify’s Metaverse investment details are currently limited, but the company has expressed interest in exploring the potential of virtual storefronts and immersive shopping experiences within the Metaverse. The company is also experimenting with augmented reality (AR) and virtual try-on technology to enhance the online shopping experience.
Shopify’s impact on the Metaverse ecosystem could potentially be significant, as the company is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world. By bringing its expertise in online commerce to the Metaverse, Shopify could help to shape the future of virtual retail and consumer experiences
Shopify has also started a beta version of its NFT marketplace.
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Epic Games
Epic Games, the creator of popular games such as Fortnite and Rocket League, is among the companies investing in the Metaverse. The company’s background in game development has given them a unique advantage in creating immersive virtual experiences.
In 2021, Epic Games announced their acquisition of Sketchfab, a 3D model platform, to further enhance their capabilities in building the Metaverse.
In addition to acquiring Sketchfab, Epic Games also invested $1 billion to build the Metaverse. The company aims to create a decentralized platform where users can build, explore, and connect with others in the virtual world.
Epic Games’ investment in the Metaverse has already had an impact on the ecosystem by providing developers with the resources and tools they need to create engaging virtual experiences. As the Metaverse continues to grow, Epic Games’ contribution is sure to play a significant role in its development.
“We are grateful to our new and existing investors who support our vision for Epic games and the Metaverse,” said Tim Sweeney, CEO and founder of Epic Games.
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Meta
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has made significant investments in the Metaverse in recent years. The company has been actively developing its own Metaverse platform, Horizon Workrooms, which allows people to collaborate remotely in a virtual space. In addition, Meta has acquired several companies with expertise in virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, including Oculus VR and CTRL-Labs.
Meta’s investment in the Metaverse has the potential to significantly impact the future of the digital world. With its vast resources and expertise in social networking, the company could create a Metaverse platform that integrates seamlessly with its existing suite of products and services. This could have far-reaching implications for everything from online shopping to social interactions, and it will be interesting to see how Meta’s investments in the Metaverse continue to unfold in the coming years.
This tech giant has also invested up to $10 billion to acquire Virtual Reality (VR) technology and has plans to invest in Augmented Reality (AR) technology to build its virtual world capabilities. It is interesting to note that currently, in the first quarter of 2022, the Metaverse segment has spent $3 billion.
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Nike
Nike, the global leader in athletic apparel and footwear, has made significant investments in the metaverse space. The company has been exploring ways to integrate digital assets and experiences into its products and services, and the metaverse offers a unique opportunity to do so.
Nike has partnered with Roblox, a popular metaverse platform, to launch a virtual version of its Air Max sneakers. The company has also created a virtual store on Roblox where users can purchase digital versions of Nike products using Robux, the platform’s virtual currency.
Furthermore, Nike has acquired Invertex, an augmented reality (AR) technology company that specializes in 3D scanning and computer vision. The acquisition is expected to help Nike enhance its digital experiences and enable customers to try on and customize products virtually.
Nike’s recent acquisition of the digital sneaker design studio RTFKT is a clear indication of the company’s investment in the Metaverse. RTFKT is known for creating high-end digital sneakers for the Metaverse and has a significant following in the gaming community. The acquisition of RTFKT will allow Nike to expand its digital product offerings and tap into the growing market of virtual fashion and accessories. (source)
This investment in the Metaverse is not only strategic but also innovative. Nike’s move to acquire a digital sneaker design studio reflects the company’s understanding of the Metaverse’s potential and the need to adapt to evolving consumer behavior. By investing in the Metaverse, Nike is positioning itself as a leader in the future of fashion and retail.
We have to be honest, they are fascinating, but some big questions need to be answered with privacy concerns. Learn more about Security in Metaverse.
Last Word
The emergence of the metaverse has attracted a growing number of companies seeking to capitalize on its potential. The companies discussed in this article are just a few examples of the significant investment being made in the metaverse ecosystem. Each company brings its own unique strengths and expertise to the table.
These investments are helping to shape the future of the metaverse, and the impact of these companies’ contributions will be felt for years to come. As more companies continue to invest in the metaverse, it’s clear that this emerging technology will have a profound impact on the way we live, work, and interact with each other.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of this space, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the metaverse and the companies invested in it.