Vienna-headquartered Atlas, a 3D generative AI platform has launched from stealth with $6 million funding. The funding consists of two rounds – a $4.5 million round led by 6th Man Ventures (6MV) and a $1.5 million round led by Collab+Currency. Other participants in the investment round include a16z Scouting Fund via Shrapnel, Contango, Gaingels, GFR Fund, New Renaissance Ventures, Square Enix and Wagmi Ventures.
Additional participants include Flamingo DAO, Founders Inc., Landvault, Monaverse, Neon DAO and Slope Fund. Atlas is supported by strategic advisors and angel investors Timmu Tõke (CEO & Co-Founder, Ready Player Me), Abel Mathew (Prev CEO & Co-Founder, Backtrace, Prev CTO Sauce Labs) and Geoff Renaud (CMO & Co-Founder, Invisible North).
Atlas will use the fresh funds to accelerate the expansion of its suite of developer solutions, which already allows current partners to rapidly scale asset development by up to 200x while lowering production times by half. Also, it intends to build its self-service 3D AI creator platform.
While the company is currently available only for enterprise and commercial use, alpha testing for a public platform will begin in the coming months.
3D generative AI platform
Founded in 2021 by Ben James, a self-taught coder and has a background in architecture, Atlas partners with game developers and brands to build virtual worlds and experiences in a fraction of the time. Its proprietary software was built in-house by a best-in-class team with combined knowledge in AI, gaming and design. Atlas aims to create a tech stack that serves as a collaborative design partner by augmenting intuition and streamlining workflows for designers and creators.
Its current partners include some of the biggest names in AAA studios, next-gen gaming and immersive design, including Consortium9 as well as partners-turned-investors Shrapnel and Square Enix. Using custom-built 3D generative AI engines, partners can generate entire virtual worlds, creative assets and designs that are consistent with existing IP and ready to be deployed anywhere.
“We’re thrilled to partner with such innovative leaders who share our vision for the future of content creation,” said Ben James, CEO, Atlas. “With our official launch and round close, Atlas will continue to develop our 3D AI using our unique, creator-first systemic approach so we can help more builders create the next evolution of gaming and virtual experiences.”
“The online experience is rapidly evolving, and Atlas is at the forefront of the next generation of AI-supported development,” said Mike Dudas, Founder & General Partner, 6MV. “Altas’ team and technology stand above the rest of the market and are revolutionising the way virtual worlds are created and experienced. We’re excited to partner with them on their mission to build a boundless future.”
“In recent years, the rising cost of game development has been challenging for the entire game industry, and gen AI is expected to help streamline the process in new and exciting ways,” said Hideaki Uehara, General Manager of Investment & Business Development Department, Square Enix Holdings. “We are excited about Atlas’ unique technology and look forward to seeing how it might unlock efficiencies in our business.”
