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§ Private Profile · Palo Alto, CA, USA
A WebAR development platform enabling developers, agencies, and brands to create augmented reality experiences accessible directly in web browsers.
8th Wall is a Palo Alto, California-based technology company that provides a web-based augmented reality (WebAR) development platform for creating interactive browser experiences without dedicated app downloads. Acquired by Niantic in 2022, the company operated as a B2B software platform before transitioning to an open-source model in February 2026. Prior to its acquisition, the enterprise raised $10.4 million in venture funding and later reported approximately $5 million in annual revenue with a workforce of 35 to 44 employees. Developers have utilized the engine to build over 100,000 web applications and launch more than 50,000 commercial WebAR experiences globally. The platform is backed by early investor Spark Capital and serves major corporate clients across the retail, automotive, and entertainment sectors, including Nike, Porsche, and Sony Pictures. 8th Wall was founded in 2016 by Erik Murphy-Chutorian.
8th Wall has raised $12.4M across 3 funding rounds.
8th Wall has raised $12.4M in total across 3 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 $12.4M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $8.0M Series A in February 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2018 | $8M Series A | VAB Goel | Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Shasta Ventures, Softbank Group, Sparkland Capital, The Venture Reality Fund | Announced |
| Aug 28, 2017 | $2.4M Venture Round | — | Peter Rojas, Greylock Partners, Norwest Venture Partners, SV Angel, The Venture Reality Fund, Third Kind Venture Capital | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2016 | $2M Seed | — | Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Softbank Group | Announced |
8th Wall has raised $12.4M in total across 3 funding rounds.
8th Wall's investors include Vab Goel, Accel, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital Israel, Shasta Ventures, Softbank Group, Sparkland Capital, The Venture Reality Fund, Peter Rojas, Greylock Partners, SV Angel.