Technology £1m investment for VR firm
An investment firm has ploughed £1m into a Midlands-based virtual reality business, in a bid to take advantage of a fast growing sector known as ‘location based entertainment’. The VR business is Atmos VR,
which has secured a seven-figure investment from Insight Media Fund, which invests into what it calls ‘media opportunities in the post Covid world’. This is its first investment in the
‘location based entertainment’ sector, which is claimed to be the ‘next big thing’. It is basically any form of
entertainment that takes place at a location other than the participants’ home and uses VR headsets to take participants into new cities, games and environments. Atmos VR will now work with a
third party, Insight advisor Samahoma Media Advisors, to
open a new ‘location based entertainment’ venue in a 10,000 sq ft warehouse at the Custard Factory, Digbeth. This will be the first of eight
such venues. Atmos VR founder and former
event technology strategist Kevin Blair, who has spent the last three years developing his product, which is described as ‘a multi- player free roaming interactive game (which) has been developed with post-Covid audiences in mind and will offer strictly player number-controlled, socially-distanced entertainment across the one-hour shows.’ Mr Blair said: “Atmos VR’s aim
is to bring creative content to life using the latest immersive technology, constantly evolving VR and beyond and pushing the experiential boundaries of immersive experiences. “According to a recent study,
Next big thing: Kevin Blair
Firm joins fight to stop cyber crime
A Warwickshire-based cyber security specialist has joined the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre, to help with the fight against cyber criminals. The WMCRC was only launched last year, and is aimed at protecting businesses and third sector organisations from hackers, fraudsters and other criminals. The organisation’s latest
recruit is iStorm Solutions, which has joined its Trusted Partners Group – this consists of businesses which can provide ‘Cyber Essentials’, a government backed initiative to help protect people against the activities of these hi-tech criminals. Richard Merrygold, co-founder
and director of iStorm, said: “We are extremely proud to be invited to join The Trusted Partners Group. “Giving something back by
helping to support local businesses improve their cyber security is a great way to offer some additional resilience after
what has been a testing year for many in the West Midlands.
‘We are extremely proud to be invited to join The Trusted Partners Group’
“The Cyber Essentials scheme
is a government-backed, self- assessment which provides a helpful overview of your business without being complex or burdensome. It is something we recommend to all of our clients, no matter how big or small.” Mr Merrygold and co-founder
James Pearson have between them more than 20 years experience of working in information/cyber security and data protection. They have advised businesses
and organisations working in many different sectors, including healthcare, financial services, automotive and manufacturing, and based in locations throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East.
February 2021 CHAMBERLINK 75
three-quarters (76 per cent) of immersive entertainment companies successfully have attendance up to 10,000 per year, meaning we can provide immersive experiences aimed at smaller audiences who are already seeking a more personal setting.”
Sector Focus
ACH launches digital skills programme
A social enterprise which provides housing and support services for refugees and others has launched a new skills programme. Edgbaston based ACH’s
digital accelerator programme is aimed at helping people boost their digital skills, and is being run inn conjunction with computer giant IBM. The free course includes
modules that range from such subjects as security to artificial intelligence. Helen Priddey , learning job
coach at ACH, said: “The digital accelerator is a great opportunity for individuals in the West Midlands to advance their digital skills. “We are proud to be
working with IBM to produce such a great initiative that can really accelerate someone’s future prospects, as developing your digital skills is essential for future- proofing your career path.”
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