Latest news with #DreamPark
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DreamPark Secures $1.1M Seed Funding to Transform Real-World Spaces into Mixed Reality Theme Parks
Backed by Long Journey Ventures with participation from Founders Inc., DreamPark is building the world's largest theme park, making the real world a playground again SAN FRANCISCO, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamPark, the creator of the world's largest downloadable mixed reality (XR) theme park, today announced it secured $1.1M in seed funding led by Long Journey Ventures, with participation from Founders Inc. The investment will accelerate DreamPark's mission to make Earth worth playing again by transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary adventures through mixed reality technology. Positioned at the forefront of mixed reality innovation, DreamPark is capturing a significant early advantage in the global XR live event market, valued at $3.6 billion in 2024 and projected to surge to $190.3 billion by 2034 at a 48.7% CAGR. This explosive growth trajectory presents an opportunity that DreamPark's technology and business model are uniquely designed to address. "We're building the world's largest theme park—one that exists everywhere and is accessible to everyone. We want to make getting out to play worthwhile again," said Brent Bushnell, co-founder and business officer of DreamPark. "This investment allows us to expand our footprint of access points across the country rapidly, develop partnerships with premium IP holders, and continue enhancing our technology to deliver magical experiences that bring people back to real-world spaces." DreamPark transforms physical locations into immersive mixed-reality environments through its network of access points: physical markers, like QR codes, that, when scanned with a Meta Quest headset or mobile device, unlock digital overlays on real-world spaces. The company has already established successful installations at Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and The LA County Fair, with planned expansions in Seattle, Orange County and several expos and corporate events. "As a longtime investor, I have seen countless pitches promising to merge the digital and physical worlds, and DreamPark is the first that truly delivers on the real-world metaverse," said Cyan Banister, co-founder and general partner at Long Journey Ventures. "Aidan is a visionary builder of immersive systems, and Brent is a pioneer in playful public spaces, making them the perfect team to make emerging tech feel human, accessible, and unforgettable. They've cracked the code on location-based AR, delivering a 10x experience that's as magical as it's scalable. This isn't just immersive entertainment; it's a whole new category." The funding comes when retail landlords and event venues seek innovative solutions to drive foot traffic and increase engagement. While typical VR venues cost over $1 million to build, DreamPark delivers a fully immersive, multiplayer experience that pays for itself in its first month of revenue, with no construction or permanent infrastructure required. It's a radically more affordable way to turn underused spaces into high-impact destinations. "We're not just creating engaging content, we're building a platform that revitalizes communities by giving people a reason to gather, play, and connect in physical spaces in real life," added Aidan Wolf, co-founder and CEO, DreamPark. "DreamPark bridges the digital and physical worlds, creating a new category of play where the magic of virtual worlds enhances real-life connections. We're reimagining what's possible when the spaces around us become canvases for shared adventure and imagination." The seed funding will support DreamPark's aggressive expansion plans, including: Deploying access points across new locations Launching partnerships with major IP holders to create branded theme park experiences Expanding the company's fleet of rental Quest headset units nationwide Growing the development team to accelerate content creation and platform capabilities DreamPark's leadership team brings deep experience from companies including Two-Bit Circus, Smiley Cap, and SNAP, Inc., positioning them to execute their ambitious vision of creating the infrastructure for worldwide mixed-reality entertainment. For more information about DreamPark, visit About DreamPark DreamPark is creating the world's first downloadable mixed-reality theme park platform, transforming real-world spaces into immersive adventures. Using the latest XR technology, we overlay digital worlds onto physical environments, creating magical experiences accessible through Meta Quest headsets or mobile devices. With strategic locations across major cities, we're building the world's largest theme park—one that exists everywhere and is open to everyone. Founded by industry veterans Brent Bushnell, Aidan Wolf, and Kevin Habich, and backed by top VCs like Long Journey Ventures and Founders, Inc., DreamPark is reimagining how people play, connect, and experience their communities in the mixed reality era. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Kiley Hayward719-660-1445 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
DreamPark Secures $1.1M Seed Funding to Transform Real-World Spaces into Mixed Reality Theme Parks
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamPark, the creator of the world's largest downloadable mixed reality (XR) theme park, today announced it secured $1.1M in seed funding led by Long Journey Ventures, with participation from Founders Inc. The investment will accelerate DreamPark's mission to make Earth worth playing again by transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary adventures through mixed reality technology. "We're building the world's largest theme park – one that exists everywhere and is accessible to everyone. We want to make getting out to play worthwhile again." Positioned at the forefront of mixed reality innovation, DreamPark is capturing a significant early advantage in the global XR live event market, valued at $3.6 billion in 2024 and projected to surge to $190.3 billion by 2034 at a 48.7% CAGR. This explosive growth trajectory presents an opportunity that DreamPark's technology and business model are uniquely designed to address. "We're building the world's largest theme park—one that exists everywhere and is accessible to everyone. We want to make getting out to play worthwhile again," said Brent Bushnell, co-founder and business officer of DreamPark. "This investment allows us to expand our footprint of access points across the country rapidly, develop partnerships with premium IP holders, and continue enhancing our technology to deliver magical experiences that bring people back to real-world spaces." DreamPark transforms physical locations into immersive mixed-reality environments through its network of access points: physical markers, like QR codes, that, when scanned with a Meta Quest headset or mobile device, unlock digital overlays on real-world spaces. The company has already established successful installations at Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and The LA County Fair, with planned expansions in Seattle, Orange County and several expos and corporate events. 'As a longtime investor, I have seen countless pitches promising to merge the digital and physical worlds, and DreamPark is the first that truly delivers on the real-world metaverse,' said Cyan Banister, co-founder and general partner at Long Journey Ventures. 'Aidan is a visionary builder of immersive systems, and Brent is a pioneer in playful public spaces, making them the perfect team to make emerging tech feel human, accessible, and unforgettable. They've cracked the code on location-based AR, delivering a 10x experience that's as magical as it's scalable. This isn't just immersive entertainment; it's a whole new category.' The funding comes when retail landlords and event venues seek innovative solutions to drive foot traffic and increase engagement. While typical VR venues cost over $1 million to build, DreamPark delivers a fully immersive, multiplayer experience that pays for itself in its first month of revenue, with no construction or permanent infrastructure required. It's a radically more affordable way to turn underused spaces into high-impact destinations. 'We're not just creating engaging content, we're building a platform that revitalizes communities by giving people a reason to gather, play, and connect in physical spaces in real life,' added Aidan Wolf, co-founder and CEO, DreamPark. 'DreamPark bridges the digital and physical worlds, creating a new category of play where the magic of virtual worlds enhances real-life connections. We're reimagining what's possible when the spaces around us become canvases for shared adventure and imagination.' The seed funding will support DreamPark's aggressive expansion plans, including: Deploying access points across new locations Launching partnerships with major IP holders to create branded theme park experiences Expanding the company's fleet of rental Quest headset units nationwide Growing the development team to accelerate content creation and platform capabilities DreamPark's leadership team brings deep experience from companies including Two-Bit Circus, Smiley Cap, and SNAP, Inc., positioning them to execute their ambitious vision of creating the infrastructure for worldwide mixed-reality entertainment. For more information about DreamPark, visit About DreamPark DreamPark is creating the world's first downloadable mixed-reality theme park platform, transforming real-world spaces into immersive adventures. Using the latest XR technology, we overlay digital worlds onto physical environments, creating magical experiences accessible through Meta Quest headsets or mobile devices. With strategic locations across major cities, we're building the world's largest theme park—one that exists everywhere and is open to everyone. Founded by industry veterans Brent Bushnell, Aidan Wolf, and Kevin Habich, and backed by top VCs like Long Journey Ventures and Founders, Inc., DreamPark is reimagining how people play, connect, and experience their communities in the mixed reality era.
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New development for Glasgow's Calton given the go-ahead
Land to the east of Havannah Street can be redeveloped after Glasgow's planning committee gave the green light to the scheme on Thursday. The project, which includes an arts hub, is being delivered by Glasgow Enlightenment Ltd, a joint venture company set up by Dawn Developments and Drum Property Group. Councillors backed the firm's planning bid despite 25 objections from residents, including Calton Community Council which said the proposals left 'much to be desired'. There were 15 letters of support. The site, which is bounded by Hunter Street to the east and the railway to the south, is set to be used for an 11-storey student accommodation block with 591 beds and 147 build-to-rents flats in a 10-storey building. There will be no car parking, but 484 spaces for bikes. A two and a half acres publicly accessible community park is planned, while a 'community lounge and arts hub', known as Dream Park, will be managed by Dream Machine Productions, a community arts organisation. Council planners had recommended the scheme was approved, reporting it would 'reuse an area of brownfield land located within close proximity to Glasgow city centre' and repair 'the urban fabric'. READ MORE: 'Disappointed': Change to nursery funding could cost parents 'thousands' Cllr Cecilia O'Lone, who represents Calton, said the site has been 'one of the biggest pains in my whole time'. 'For me, it is good to see this coming forward.' She welcomed plans for a park as 'at the moment it's scrubland, it's an eyesore for the people who are living there already'. Cllr Jill Pidgeon, Labour, said the project would be a 'significant improvement'. Both councillors had concerns over the length of time it may take to develop the arts hub, as the charity is 'currently homeless'. A council official said Dream Machine was 'eagerly awaiting' a decision on the application, and had 'asked for some reassurances about timescales'. He added: 'They are certainly looking to get their funding in place to deliver it in the near future because they are currently homeless.' A legal agreement will need to be signed over the ongoing management of both the student block and build-to-rent flats. Councillors asked for that to also cover the maintenance of the park. Dream Park is expected to include a pavilion where 'residents can meet, socialise and relax' while the wider park would be open to the public throughout the day and night. READ MORE: Major roads in Glasgow to close for 17 hours for Tour of Britain cycling final It is also expected that Dream Machine would run an events programme, with art installations, performances, community gatherings and children's parties. Objectors raised concerns about the height of the buildings and the impact of the development on existing parking and traffic issues. They also suggested affordable housing was needed rather than student flats. Calton Community Council said the proposed buildings are 'bulky and ugly'. It added that while there 'might be plans for very low or zero car ownership… Glasgow is not yet ready for people to use alternative means of transport'. They did welcome the development of a public park on land which has been used for 'fly-tipping, prostitution and drug-taking' if ongoing maintenance is included. Council officials reported a factor fee sourced from residents of the new development would cover park maintenance. They added the development would contribute to a 'vibrant accessible neighbourhood' and an 'increase in population numbers could be successfully absorbed into the city centre community'.
