Skip to main content

Otherworld VR LBE expanding internationally after raising £2.9m

News
otherworld virtual reality london

Otherworld, a location-based virtual reality (VR) experience, is expanding across the UK and internationally after raising £2.9m.

Otherworld has signed deals to open two new locations in London and Birmingham this summer, with plans to open locations in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow over the next year.

Internationally, Otherworld is recruiting franchise partners in Germany and the US. “We’ve seen overwhelming demand, despite the pandemic,” said Chris Adams, CEO and co-founder of Otherworld.

“People are seeking ever-greater levels of immersion, but through social experiences they can enjoy with friends and family. We can’t wait to take the Otherworld experience to new markets around the world.”

Otherworld opening new locations in the UK

https://vimeo.com/563187899

Otherworld locations merge VR with special effects such as heat, wind, scent and rumble. Experiences cover entertainment, art, education and wellness, all enjoyed in multi-sensory ‘immersion pods’.

“The first version of Otherworld’s virtual resort has been a huge hit with guests and critics alike,” said Ed Wardle, co-founder and chief creative officer of Otherworld.

“Otherworld 2.0 will transport inter-dimensional travellers to new heights of immersion with scanned avatars, richly atmospheric themed zones, and virtual content designed exclusively for our venues.”

Edge Investments led the £2.9m Series A round, with follow-on investment from Imbiba and contributions from games industry veterans Chris Lee and Rupert Loman.

VR experience heading to Germany and US

otherworld virtual reality london

“The Otherworld team has the creative vision and operational acuity to continue to grow and dominate this emerging category at the intersection of creativity and technology,” said Niall Santamaria, investment manager at Edge.

“There is now a significant opportunity to develop the content across a number of genres as we roll-out across the UK and internationally,” said Lizzie Ryan, partner at Imbiba. “Imbiba are delighted to be supporting the team on this journey.”

Since opening its first site in London’s Shoreditch in 2019, Otherworld has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors. The space features 14 VR immersion rooms, as well as a bar serving craft beers and a poke kitchen.

Images: Otherworld

Share this

Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update