LINDON, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The VOID, critically acclaimed global leader in immersive virtual reality experiences announced today the closing of additional funding with a minority investment from Lupa Systems and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW). The investments will enable The VOID to scale its presence globally and continue its pursuit of redefining the future of entertainment, offering cutting-edge, social location-based experiences globally.
The investment by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield follows the announcement of a strategic partnership earlier this year to bring approximately 25 permanent VOID locations to URW centers across the US and Europe, showing continued support and belief in the company as the leader in immersive virtual reality experiences.
Lupa Systems, a private investment holding company founded by James Murdoch earlier this year, also participated in the funding round.
“Our partnership with The VOID allows us to further demonstrate the strength of our global portfolio while also bringing a truly game-changing entertainment offering to customers – animating our centers with new experiences from some of the world’s most dynamic content creators and beloved franchises,” said Jean-Marie Tritant, President of the US at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. “With this investment, we continue to leverage our access to great startups and brands, and to expand their businesses within our unprecedented platform of destinations in the US and Europe.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lupa Systems and URW as strategic and financial partners. The combination of new powerful content and the rollout of fantastic locations will strengthen The VOID as the category leader,” said Craig Watson, Chairman of The VOID. “This capital infusion will allow us to build brand awareness across capital cities around the world and our innovation-led mindset will continue to create new standards for immersive experiences.”
The VOID continues rapid growth, announcing exclusive content releases in partnership with Hollywood’s top entertainment studios and the recent opening of five new locations including outposts in New York, N.Y., San Francisco, Calif. and Atlanta, Ga. The VOID currently operates across fifteen cities across the United States, Canada, Dubai U.A.E., and Malaysia with plans for continued global expansion through 2022.
Among other investors to The VOID, Lupa Systems and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield join Fidelity Management and Research Company, Qualcomm Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Disney, Cinemark, Genting Malaysia, Shanda International Group, Meraas, Ithaca Media Ventures, Lion Capital, Madison Wells, Pickled Entertainment, Fair Capital, and United Talent Agency .
For more information, visit: www.thevoid.com.
About The VOID
The VOID is a critically-acclaimed global leader in immersive virtual reality experiences and the future of entertainment. Set to elevate immersive experiences, The VOID aims to transform virtual reality into a dynamic and social event on a global scale. The VOID is developing an entirely new category of interactive and immersive entertainment where guests become active participants in the story. Combining state-of-the art VR technology, physical stages and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell, with Hollywood characters and storylines, The VOID let’s participants experience fully-immersive worlds that, until now, have only lived in the imagination. To learn more, visit www.thevoid.com or follow The VOID on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of Flagship destinations, with a portfolio valued at €65.0 Bn as at June a30, 2019, of which 86% in retail, 7% in offices, 5% in convention & exhibition venues and 2% in services. Currently, the Group owns and operates 92 shopping centres, including 55 Flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present on 2 continents and in 12 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events, and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers.
With the support of its 3,700 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects. The Group has a development pipeline of €10.3 Bn.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor’s and from an A2 rating from Moody’s.
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