Longtime Adobe software collaborator, Strata, a stalwart in the 3D software market, has announced new funding and a new executive hire for its Utah-based company.
First Round Funding
Strata, a pioneer and leading developer of 3D design software, announced today it has raised initial first round funding for its move into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), for the enterprise market customer, along with changes and additions to the business. The funding was managed by Greg Kofford, co-founder at London and Australia-based Lanstead Investors PTY Limited.
“Strata has a long and impressive history in 3D graphics. This funding puts them in a strong position to take advantage of this explosive new market.” said Kofford. “We intend to continue to assist Strata in further funding and business development activities. We believe that VR and AR represent an important investment opportunity—and Strata provides Lanstead and our clients excellent access to this opportunity.”
Shopping for New Talent
Kofford is also assisting Strata in bringing in new additional talent. New President and Managing Director, John Wright, has extensive experience leading technology companies, is a serial entrepreneur, and a proven winner in building companies. Wright and Kofford have brought on a team of 3D artists—fresh off of winning a Student Emmy® (CTA), along with new engineering talent.
01 – Strata announces new funding from London/Australian venture firm and the injection of new leadership by John Wright. The company will be attacking the enterprise VR-AR markets.
“This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” said John Wright, new Strata president. “VR and AR will change the world in profound ways and it’s very exciting to be part of that change. With its history and extensive user base, I believe Strata is ideally positioned to be a leader in this revolution. The Strata 3D tools are already broadly used in projects for Fortune 500 companies like GE, Walmart and Starbucks – as well as thousands of other companies worldwide. These enterprise customers are the real opportunity for VR and AR.”
Strata will be exhibiting at the Shop.org Digital Summit in Dallas, September 26-28. Mr. Wright will be available to meet with prospective customers and clients.
The Future of 3D Design and Customer Experiences
With VR and AR headsets, designers will be able to walk into their projects to refine, present and sell their ideas. In addition to licensed software, Strata is offering custom VR/AR development, built on top of the Strata VR/AR Platform™. Strata can assist in turning 3D projects into full VR/AR experiences and also help create new experiences.
Enterprise Markets Where Strata Holds a Position
The Strata Design 3D™ user-base includes large brand owners and design agencies that can take advantage of VR/AR. These markets include:
- Packaging
- Product
- Store layout
- Point-of-Purchase
- Exhibit
- Interior Design
- Architecture
Architosh Analysis
While this announcement portrays a substantial leadership change it is important to note that longtime Strata founders Ken and Gary Bringhurst remain with the company in CEO and CTO positions as before. John Wright was the founder of Viewpoint in 1988, one of the first companies to sell a vast library of 3D digital models. His background appears extensive.
The addition of VR/AR focus really can’t come soon enough for Strata. Most heavy-hitters in the 3D software arena have embraced these emerging markets, often ahead of the finished hardware which only hit the market for consumers this year. Given Strata’s market leadership in product and packaging design, the growth in AR in consumer shopping in particular lends substantial opportunity for this company’s next moves.