8th Wall is a technology company.
8th Wall is a technology company.
8th Wall has raised $10.0M across 2 funding rounds.
8th Wall has raised $10.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
8th Wall is a Palo Alto-based technology company that builds an award-winning WebAR (web-based augmented reality) developer platform and computer vision technology stack, now owned by Niantic Inc. since its acquisition in March 2022.[1][2] The platform enables developers, agencies, and brands to create interactive AR experiences accessible via any smartphone browser—no app required—reaching over 5 billion devices across iOS, Android, computers, and AR/VR/MR headsets.[1][3] It serves industries like sports, entertainment, CPG, retail, fashion, automotive, and more, powering over 2,000 commercial experiences for brands such as Sony Pictures, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Coca-Cola, while solving the problem of app downloads and cross-platform friction to boost user engagement and ROI across the marketing funnel.[1][5]
Growth has been strong since its 2018 launch, with over 50,000 web apps created and an estimated reach of 3.5 billion smartphones; recent advancements include a rebuilt "Reality Engine" with Metaversal Deployment for seamless experiences across devices, plus AI-powered tools for rapid prototyping.[1][3][6]
Founded by Erik Murphy-Chutorian, a computer vision expert, 8th Wall emerged in 2018 with its pioneering SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system optimized for browsers using JavaScript and WebGL.[1][3] The idea stemmed from making AR universally accessible without apps, bridging iOS and Android gaps and targeting web standards for broad reach.[2] Early traction came quickly: in its first full year (2019), it powered over 2,000 commercial experiences, earning awards and headlines while demonstrating business value like increased dwell time and purchase lift.[1] A pivotal moment arrived in March 2022 when Niantic acquired it, integrating 8th Wall's tech into its ecosystem—Murphy-Chutorian now oversees it under Niantic.[1]
8th Wall stands out in the AR space through these key strengths:
8th Wall rides the WebAR and metaverse wave, capitalizing on the shift from app-bound AR to web-native experiences amid rising demand for immersive content without friction—perfect timing as 5G, AI, and spatial computing (e.g., Apple Vision Pro, smart glasses) expand AR/VR adoption.[1][3] Market forces like browser standards (WebGL/WebXR) and Niantic's Pokémon GO legacy favor it, enabling brands to engage millions instantly and driving ROI in marketing.[1][5] It influences the ecosystem by democratizing AR development, powering 50,000+ apps and fostering a creator community that accelerates Web3D/XR innovation across verticals.[3][6]
8th Wall is poised to dominate as the 3D game engine for the AI era, evolving from mobile WebAR to full metaversal tools with GenAI prototyping and native/web deployment.[6] Trends like AI-driven creation, headset proliferation, and WebXR maturity will amplify its reach, potentially integrating deeper with Niantic's Lightship for VPS-enhanced experiences. Its influence may grow by onboarding more brands into no-app XR, solidifying WebAR as the accessible entry to augmented reality for everyone—echoing its founding mission to bridge digital-physical worlds without barriers.[1][2][3]
8th Wall has raised $10.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
8th Wall's investors include Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Shasta Ventures, Softbank Group.
8th Wall has raised $10.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $8.0M Series A in February 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2018 | $8.0M Series A | Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Shasta Ventures, Softbank Group | |
| Dec 1, 2016 | $2.0M Seed | Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Softbank Group |