Two Bit Circus is a technology company.
Two Bit Circus has raised $22.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Two Bit Circus has raised $22.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Two Bit Circus has raised $22.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Two Bit Circus's investors include Calibrate Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Foundry Group, Project A Ventures.
Two Bit Circus is a technology-driven entertainment company specializing in high-tech games, immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences, and micro-amusement parks that blend carnival traditions with modern tech to foster social connections.[1][2][6] It builds interactive attractions like VR adventures, story rooms, and high-tech carnival games, serving groups, families, event organizers, brands, and communities seeking unique team-building, parties, or outings.[1][5][7] The company solves the problem of passive entertainment by creating active, elbow-to-elbow fun that encourages interaction and creativity, with locations in Los Angeles and Dallas showing expansion momentum through new offerings like Reveler’s Resorts for hotels and ongoing content rotations.[4][6][7]
Formerly Synn Labs, it evolved from interactive art projects into a full experiential entertainment business, also operating a nonprofit arm focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) education via hands-on workshops.[1][4][5]
Two Bit Circus was founded in 2012 by Brent Bushnell, an electrical and computer scientist trained as a clown, and Eric Gradman, a roboticist, clown, and "mad inventor" with a background in circus performance, aerial arts, and fire dancing.[2][3][5] The idea emerged in 2008 amid economic turmoil, when the duo—frustrated with their day jobs—began collaborating on nights and weekends to build interactive art and contraptions as a fun hobby in East Los Angeles.[2] Early experiments yielded "awesome stuff" that attracted brands for corporate events and holiday parties, revealing a viable business model and prompting a shift to full-time focus on larger-than-life, out-of-home entertainment.[2]
Pivotal moments included creating experiential marketing for events like the NBA and Super Bowl, blending VR with physical elements, and launching STEAM Carnival to inspire kids.[5] This led to the world's first micro-amusement parks in Los Angeles (Arts District) and Dallas (2022), innovating on American traveling carnival history with inventions like the Flambé fire dunk tank.[6]
Two Bit Circus rides the wave of experiential entertainment and location-based VR, capitalizing on post-pandemic demand for social, in-person fun amid declining passive media like streaming.[2][5] Timing aligns with AR/VR maturation and the rise of "experience as currency," where interactive tech counters isolation by making users active story participants.[5] Market forces favoring it include growth in team-building events, family outings, and STEAM education initiatives, plus its platform model for third-party creators akin to app ecosystems.[1][5] It influences the ecosystem by democratizing high-tech fun—reviving carnival vibes with inventions that inspire creators, educate via nonprofits, and prototype future attractions like the planned Secret Inventor’s Lab.[5][6]
Next for Two Bit Circus involves further expansion, including a teased 2026 announcement, more Micro-Amusement Parks, and scaling Reveler’s Resorts while deepening STEAM outreach.[4][7] Trends like AI-enhanced games, hybrid VR/AR, and sustainable entertainment will shape its path, amplifying its role in blending play with learning. Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to chain operator and education platform, perpetually redefining fun by empowering creators and communities—proving two nerds' hobby can spark a joyful tech circus.[2][5]
Two Bit Circus has raised $22.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $15.0M Series B in January 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2017 | $15.0M Series B | Calibrate Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Foundry Group, Project A Ventures | |
| Oct 1, 2015 | $7.0M Series A | Calibrate Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Foundry Group, Project A Ventures |