Next-gen XR video distribution startup YBVR secures $1.5m to accelerate growth

Next-gen XR video distribution startup YBVR secures $1.5m to accelerate growth

Published: 17-02-2021 12:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau | hits: 3606 | Tags:

YBVR, a next-generation XR video distribution platform, announced a $1.5 million Pre-Series A funding round with participation from Verizon Ventures, Telefonica's Wayra and Tech Coast Angels. The funding will be used to advance the company's technology, build its team and further key partnerships.

With 360-degree streaming, YBVR's video platform significantly enhances the virtual viewing experience. The investment marks a significant inflection point for the company, as it will be able to live stream 8K ultra-high-definition video with next-generation technologies for a premium experience across devices with a sub-second latency.

Hector Prieto, Co-founder and CEO, YBVR: "We are grateful to our investors for boosting YBVR's growth and scale. We are committed to our customers and partners, with a focus on monetizing experiential immersive sports and music events to create transformative value and sustainability in society."

Currently used to broadcast events such as Australian Open 2021 in Melbourne, Fan Controlled Football Season 2021 in Atlanta, and Euroleague Basketball F4 in Cologne, Germany, YBVR provides a fully immersive viewing experience for sports fans and concert goers across the world using any connected device. Ultra-low latency allows for viewers to simultaneously select from various camera angles for a personalized spectator experience.

YBVR is able to provide instantaneous streaming through deployment on a previously announced AWS Wavelength with Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network. Mobile edge compute provides the bandwidth needed for wireless data transfer from 360-degree cameras to consumer devices, in real time.

Kristina Serafim, Managing Director, Verizon Ventures: "YBVR's immersive streaming platform offers an unparalleled experience to viewers who cannot be present in-person, allowing anyone to access a game or concert in a very real way. Verizon Ventures is excited to help support YBVR's growth. With 5G and mobile edge compute, immersive streaming has the potential to transform the sports and entertainment industries."

Paloma Castellano, Managing Director, Wayra Madrid: "New video formats such 8K, VR and 360-degree video are becoming a reality. Telefonica wants to be at the forefront of such technology, which means not only developing new services and video content but also being prepared to invest in startups such as YBVR, with whom we have already produced the first 360-degree immersive musical experience with edge computing technology." 

During 2021, YBVR will stream more than 300 hours of live international bowling content in partnership with the International Bowling Federation (IBF), allowing millions of fans to actively participate in multiple major bowling events throughout the year, regardless of COVID-related distance and mobility restrictions.

www.ybvr.com