In December 2016, Capital Factory launched Austin’s first VR Lab. Stocked with cutting-edge technology, the VR Lab enables entrepreneurs, investors, VIPs, and tech influencers to learn about emerging technologies and the impact they have on their industries. Capital Factory’s first Augmented and Virtual Reality Summit, on April 16th, is a full day of programming for the Corporate Innovation Council to bring corporations together and introduce them to new technologies to inspire creativity and innovation. There will also be a public showcase to close out the summit where the Texas startup scene will come together for the next $100,000 Investment Challenge pitch competition.

If you’ve been paying attention to the tech news lately, you know that augmented and virtual reality are one of the hottest trends of late. With games like 2016’s Pokémon Go, to movies like 2018’s Ready Player One, this emerging tech has come to the forefront of our culture. As the #1 best city to start a business (according to Inc. Magazine), Austin has been at the center of this trend.

“Austin’s vibrant technology and creative communities make it the perfect place for AR/VR innovation,” said Brance Hudzietz, Capital Factory’s Emerging Tech Manager. “When you combine free-thinkers from the developer, film, and gaming communities here in Austin, you see radically new ideas bubbling to the surface.”

This April, Texas’ top entrepreneurs will band together to give one tech startup a $100,000 investment, direct exposure to industry influencers, and the chance to join the startup accelerator at Capital Factory. Any startup focused on XR technologies (AR, MR and VR) can apply on AngelList to pitch at the community showcase during the exclusive AR/VR Summit on April 16th.

“We want to see Austin entrepreneurs thinking bigger and shooting for the stars. If you’re really trying to change the world, we will help you get started,” said Brett Hurt, CEO of data.world and founder of Bazaarvoice, Coremetrics and Hurt Family Investments.

 

Who Can Apply?

Any tech or consumer startup focused on XR technologies (AR, MR and VR) can apply on AngelList to pitch at the AR/VR showcase during the exclusive AR/VR Summit on April 16th.

What does Funding Day look like?

If selected, you’ll be one of 5–6 teams to pitch your startup to a panel of expert judges on April 16th. One company will walk away with a $100,000 investment.

The best team that pitches at Funding Day will receive:

• $100,000 cash investment on a SAFE or Convertible Note
• Special access to an A-List of Texas’ top entrepreneurs who add value far beyond the money you received
• 6 months of unlimited co-working at Capital Factory for your whole team — comes with automatic acceptance into our accelerator program (1% Common class equity)
• Access to the Capital Factory Mentor network

Interested in joining Capital Factory’s Corporate Innovation Council?

The Corporate Innovation Council elevates opportunities for all sides by bringing together Council Members, startups, mentors, events, the accelerator program, and the rest of the Capital Factory ecosystem. Reach out to Partnerships@CapitalFactory.com to learn more about how you can join.