Ocavu (formerly Seek)

Ocavu offers a comprehensive 3D Experience Platform, enabling businesses to create, manage, and deploy immersive 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) content. Its web-based tools facilitate 3D visualization and AR experiences, featuring robust 3D configurators. This technology integrates interactive 3D assets and AR functionality directly onto websites, providing advanced visualization without extensive coding.

Founded in 2016 by Jon Cheney, Chris White, Mike Snow, and Thane Brimhall, the company stemmed from recognizing a market need for simplified access to sophisticated 3D and AR technologies. Initially known as Seek, the founders aimed to empower businesses to leverage immersive experiences for enhanced digital engagement and compelling product presentation.

Ocavu primarily serves retailers and brands seeking to elevate online presence and consumer interaction. The platform helps customers boost buyer confidence and drive sales growth through product visualization in 3D and AR. Ocavu’s vision focuses on democratizing 3D and augmented reality content, empowering companies to deliver memorable, interactive digital experiences.

High-Level Overview

Ocavu (formerly Seek) is a B2B SaaS platform specializing in cross-platform 3D, AR, VR, XR, NFTs, blockchain, and Web3 technologies, enabling brands to create, manage, and deploy immersive experiences at scale without needing apps.[1][2][3] It serves e-commerce brands and organizations worldwide, solving the problem of delivering interactive 3D/AR content across platforms like web, mobile, metaverse, and decentralized environments, with patented technology for multi-platform 3D rendering from a single server.[1][3] Originally a consumer treasure-hunting app, Ocavu pivoted in 2018 to enterprise tools, achieving growth by powering immersive solutions for top global brands and expanding into Web3 ecosystems for NFTs, tokens, and community management; it's at Series A stage with 11-50 employees in Lehi, Utah.[1][2][3]

Origin Story

Ocavu traces its roots to 2016 when founder and CEO Jon Cheney launched Treasure Canyon, organizing physical treasure hunts in Utah mountains inspired by Forrest Fenn's hunt, which evolved into the "Seek" app after Pokémon GO's 2016 launch sparked AR interest.[1][4] Cheney, with a background in sales (Dish One, Nu Skin, Chegg), business development (English3), and a BYU degree in Chinese and Entrepreneurship, co-founded with Mike Snow (college roommate handling operations) and later Chris White; they integrated AR for a gamified treasure hunt operating in 100+ countries, targeting users and brands.[1][2][4]

A pivotal near-failure in early days—four investors backing out simultaneously—forcing layoffs and a 2018 pivot from B2C app to B2B AR software, proved transformative, igniting real growth.[1][4] Web3's rise in 2020 drew Cheney deeper into NFTs and metaverse tech, rebranding to Ocavu to emphasize cross-platform immersive Web3 tools; the company holds patents for server-based multi-platform 3D in AR/VR/XR.[1][3]

Core Differentiators

• Patented Cross-Platform Tech: Exclusive ability to render 3D models across web, AR, VR, XR, and metaverse from one server, no apps required—core to scalability for brands.[1]
• Web3 Ecosystem Integration: Supports 3D NFTs, tokens, blockchain, and decentralized community management, bridging immersive content with metaverse and decentralization.[1][2]
• B2B Focus and Ease: Tools for brands to publish AR/3D experiences quickly, serving e-commerce with high-scale deployment; pivoted from consumer app for enterprise reliability.[1][3]
• Proven Team Resilience: Led by Cheney's sales expertise and Snow's operational grit (e.g., no salary for 6 months post-crisis), delivering global brand solutions.[2][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Ocavu rides the AR/VR/XR and Web3 convergence trend, capitalizing on metaverse maturation post-2020 NFT boom and Pokémon GO's mainstreaming of AR, enabling brands to engage in immersive e-commerce without platform silos.[1][4] Timing aligns with e-commerce's shift to interactive 3D visualization (vs. static images) and Web3's decentralization push, amplified by market forces like remote experiences post-pandemic and blockchain's creator economy.[2][3] It influences the ecosystem by democratizing immersive tech for non-tech brands, competing with firms like Vestis Labs, and holding patents that set barriers to entry in multi-platform rendering.[1][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Ocavu is positioned to expand as Web3 and spatial computing (e.g., Apple Vision Pro era) drive demand for seamless 3D/AR in e-commerce and metaverses, with Series A funding from investors like Coby Cotton fueling growth beyond its 11-50 employee base.[3] Expect deeper NFT/metaverse integrations, more patents, and global brand wins amid AR market projections; challenges like Mosaic Score dips signal funding volatility, but B2B pivot resilience suggests thriving.[3] As the next internet layer for immersive Web3, Ocavu could redefine brand experiences, evolving from Seek's playful origins to a metaverse infrastructure leader.