October 23, 2019 – The VOID, which specializes in immersive virtual reality experiences, has announced the closing of additional funding with a minority investment from Lupa Systems and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW). The investments will enable The VOID to scale its presence globally and continue to expand its offering of social location-based experiences. The companies did not disclose the funding amount.
The investment by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield follows the announcement of a strategic partnership earlier this year to bring approximately 25 permanent VOID locations to URW centers across the US and Europe.
Lupa Systems, a private investment holding company founded by James Murdoch earlier this year, also participated in the funding round.
“Our partnership with The VOID allows us to further demonstrate the strength of our global portfolio while also bringing a truly game-changing entertainment offering to customers – animating our centers with new experiences from some of the world’s most dynamic content creators and beloved franchises,” said Jean-Marie Tritant, President of the US at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. “With this investment, we continue to leverage our access to great startups and brands, and to expand their businesses within our unprecedented platform of destinations in the US and Europe.”
Craig Watson, Chairman of The VOID, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lupa Systems and URW as strategic and financial partners. The combination of new powerful content and the rollout of fantastic locations will strengthen The VOID as the category leader.” He added, “This capital infusion will allow us to build brand awareness across capital cities around the world and our innovation-led mindset will continue to create new standards for immersive experiences.”
The VOID states that it is continuing to grow, with exclusive content releases announced in partnership with entertainment studios in Hollywood, as well as the recent opening of five new locations including outposts in New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The VOID currently operates in fifteen cities across the United States, Canada, Dubai U.A.E., and Malaysia, with plans for continued global expansion through 2022.
Among other investors to The VOID, Lupa Systems and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield join Fidelity Management and Research Company, Qualcomm Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Disney, Cinemark, Genting Malaysia, Shanda International Group, Meraas, Ithaca Media Ventures, Lion Capital, Madison Wells, Pickled Entertainment, Fair Capital, and United Talent Agency.
Image credit: The VOID
Related Posts
About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.