ArborXR, a startup that helps companies remotely manage AR and VR devices, figured that enterprise customers would be its primary target. Now, that bet is paying off: On Tuesday, the company announced it had secured $12 million in Series A funding, which it will use to develop and expand its platform.
The new round was led by Mercury Fund and Cortado Ventures, with participation from Impact Venture Capital and Lewis & Clark Ventures. To date, ArborXR has raised more than $25 million.
The hype around XR (extended reality), which includes AR and VR, is still early days among consumers, but it is becoming more widely adopted in the corporate world. Companies such as Adidas, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Dell, Pfizer, Nike, and Walmart are leveraging VR training programs to educate employees in hybrid and remote office environments.
But it can be difficult for businesses to manage the thousands of VR devices used by their employees. This is where companies like ArborXR come in.
ArborXR provides a platform for businesses to remotely manage AR and VR devices, install apps and content, and control user access within the headset. Through ArborXR's web app (available for Windows and Mac devices), administrators can set up devices, monitor training progress in real time, guide employees through virtual experiences, control user settings, restrict access, trigger updates, and check device health, including battery and storage.
There is also a directory where you can find over 600 app developers and download apps tailored to your business needs.
The company also offers an education service similar to its enterprise offering, which is used by more than 420 educational institutions. Both services allow users to manage unlimited devices.
Brad Scoggin, CEO and co-founder of ArborXR, told TechCrunch: “People need to know that XR is quietly being adopted in the enterprise, healthcare and education sectors right now. This isn't about Meta, Apple, Qualcomm or Google, but the significant commitment these companies are making to XR is important. This is about a fundamental change in how people learn, and VR is driving that change.”
Image credit: ArborXR
Since its founding in 2020, ArborXR has believed that enterprise customers would be the primary adopters of VR. That belief has become a reality, with more than 3,000 leading companies, including Bank of America, Delta, Pfizer, Qualcomm, UPS and Walmart, now using the company's device management services. According to the company, ArborXR's customer base has tripled in the last year, and the company hopes the new funding will help it keep up with growing demand.
The three co-founders, Scoggin, Will Stackable (CMO) and Jordan Williams (CRO), launched their first startup, UpwardVR, in 2017. They then launched SpringboardVR, a software platform to help manage VR devices, which was acquired by Vertigo Games in 2021. Scoggin, Stackable and Williams leveraged the success and experience they gained at SpringboardVR to launch ArborXR.
“Our long-term vision is for XR to transform learning and work,” Stackable said. “Pilots mastering flight simulations from home, surgeons practicing complex surgeries without risk, and students receiving a world-class education regardless of location. Imagine a child in the countryside taking a virtual tour of the Louvre or a medical student practicing a complex surgery. Ultimately, we believe that at its best, XR is a tool that gives people back their time – to learn faster, work smarter, and then unplug and enjoy real life. That's the future we're heading for. XR isn't an escape from digital, it's a powerful tool.”
Image credit: ArborXR
Currently, there are only a few companies offering VR device management, including ManageXR and Omnissa's (formerly VMware) Workspace One UEM. Apple also offers enterprise device management capabilities for Apple Vision Pro. ArborXR aims to offer more affordable pricing and a cleaner user interface than its competitors.
The company offers three subscription options: “Starter” for small businesses at $7 per device per month, “Essentials” at $10 per device per month, and “Enterprise” for large businesses at $13 per device per month. There is also a 30-day free trial.
ArborXR supports a wide range of VR devices, including Apple Vision Pro, DPVR headsets, HTC Vive, Lenovo VRX, Meta Quest, Pico devices, and AR glasses from Digilens, Magic Leap 2, Vuzix, RealWear, and more.