The extended reality landscape has come a long way since Virtualware, a pioneer in virtual reality solutions, first launched back in 2003. When Unai Extremo and Sergio Barrera decided to create a VR company, focused on supporting practical use cases, concepts like the metaverse, enterprise VR, and even industrial XR were virtually non-existent.
Twenty years later, the company is now one of the world’s most recognized virtual reality companies, and one of the biggest names in the European VR market, particularly in the world of industrial applications. Multinational companies all over the globe rely on Virtualware and its innovative technologies to facilitate collaboration, creativity, training, and more.
To celebrate the anniversary of the brand, let’s take a look at its major accomplishments throughout the decades, and its strategic roadmap for the years ahead.
Who are Virtualware? A VR Pioneer
Considered one of the top global innovators in the extended reality market, Virtualware is a solution provider, focusing on enterprise-level virtual reality. In the last 20 years, the company has managed more than 500 projects across 40 countries, won 32 awards, and cemented itself as a leader in next-level metaverse and extended reality solutions.
When the company first launched, not only was VR a bizarre concept, but we didn’t even have the smartphones we use today. Fortunately, the brand didn’t let this stop their mission. They powered ahead, breaking the boundaries of the virtual space, and building a world-leading company.
Guided now by a team of 45 skilled VR professionals, engineers, developers, designers, and technologies, Virtualware has established itself not just as an industry leader, but a legacy company, with an extensive understanding of the power of extended reality.
The Pillars of Virtualware’s Success
At the heart of Virtualware’s business, is an undying focus on creativity, exploration, and the development of practical solutions for businesses. The company goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, not just with cutting-edge technology, but also with a comprehensive approach to security, privacy, and enterprise support.
Virtualware has built a name for itself in the VR space by:
- Solving real world problems: Virtualware doesn’t just sell products, it provides unique solutions to problems. They build extended reality toolkits designed to address industrial and enterprise issues at scale, whether it’s transforming training, or unlocking innovation.
- Sustainability: Committed to adhering to the sustainable development goals of the UNGP, throuh virtual reality technology. Virtualware looks for ways to not only transform businesses, but protect the environment. They believe VR can be essential in creating a more sustainable world.
- Innovation: Virtualware has democratized VR and extended reality for the masses, with the creation of a virtual reality as a service platform, VIROO. This solution enables content creators to create complex training environments, without coding expertise and at the same time it boosts our capacity for innovation.
- Thought leadership: Dedicated to promoting the enormous potential of virtual reality, Virtualware shares its knowledge and discoveries with the world. It partners with leading brands, attends industry events, and educates its community.
- Partnerships: Virtualware has built an ecosystem of crucial connections, with some of the world’s leading brands. It works with Unity, AWS, Microsoft, Pico, Meta, HTC VIVE, and countless other leaders, to unlock opportunities for growth.
Virtualware’s Accomplishments: 20 Years of Innovation
Virtualware stands as a pioneer in the VR landscape thanks to its commitment to constant innovation. The company has been recognized as the world’s most innovative VR company by numerous publications. It won a Gold Award for Educational technology in the best AR VR category. It also won a gold award in “Best Advance in augmented and virtual reality” for its work with GE Vernova.
Perhaps the biggest achievement of all for the brand, however, is the VIROO virtual reality as a service platform. This platform empowers companies all over the world to access, customize, and manage their own virtual reality landscapes, with minimal effort or expense. In 2019, it was named the “premier VR solution” for businesses at the VR Awards.
Built to simplify and accelerate VR adoption, VIROO provides a user-friendly creation platform for people of all skillsets and backgrounds. Today, it’s used by more than 40 companies and institutions worldwide, like GE Vernova, and the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
VIROO gives business leaders access to a comprehensive toolkit unlike any other. Not only can users design their own extended reality experiences, but they can also scale their immersive applications according to their needs without limitations. This opens the door to unlimited opportunities for innovation, in training, collaboration, and more.
For instance, the Spanish Military Health School users VIROO to empower students in training sessions, unlock next-level knowledge retention, and boost muscle memory, all without exposing the medical staff to unnecessary risks.
What’s Next for Virtualware?
In December 2023, Virtualware’s CEO, Unai Extremo celebrated its 20th anniversary, with an open letter, outlining a strategic plan for the future.
“A lot has happened in these 20 years. None of us ever imagined that the company would be what it is today. But our passion for virtual reality technology and our commitment to bringing it to the industry hasn’t changed. And delivering the highest levels of value and impact to our customers is at the heart of everything we do”
Unai Extremo, Founder & CEO
Between 2021 and 2023, the company focused on developing its pioneering VR as a service platform, VIROO. Now, the firm wants to capitalize on the success of this platform and embrace the next stage for growth. The company has a fully organic growth plan, based on strong growth in the VRaaS (subscription plan) business, with three key factors to achieve this:
- Expansion in North America, particularly the United States.
- Building an indirect channel and service infrastructure to rapidly grow its subscription plans. While direct sales will remain integral, the development of an indirect channel will significantly enhance its growth prospects.
- Providing world-class VRaaS product and services is top priority to retaining and attracting VIROO customers. Ensuring service excellence is indispensable, given its clientele includes large accounts and its pursuit of new customers within demanding sectors like energy, defense, and transportation.
“As we strive to create an exceptional platform for developing multi-user collaborative VR experiences, we are focusing on improving the user experience of our VIROO Studio within Unity. Our goal at Virtualware is to make the adoption of the VIROO platform for creating immersive VR content easier and more powerful than ever before.”
– Sergio Barrera, Founder and CTO, Virtualware.
Looking Forward with Virtualware
Over 20 years, Virtualware has evolved from an innovative startup with an ambitious dream, into a true market leader in extended reality. They’ve discovered new ways to help companies unlock opportunities and eliminate challenges, with the power of immersive tech.
The company’s continued commitment to innovation, exceptional customer support, and quality, ensures it is perfectly positioned to continue on its trajectory of rapid growth. Who knows what the next 20 years could bring from this XR innovator?
