Startup Livelike turns sporting events into a social virtual reality experience

The start-up Livelike wants to turn sporting events into a social virtual reality experience. Investors are putting up a total of 15 million US dollars for this endeavour.

Taking part in sporting events together or watching a game or race together is simply much more fun, as the many crowded public viewing venues show. Such events thrive on the fact that they are experienced together: On site, in the pub, with friends in front of the TV. People celebrate and laugh together, or rant against the referee and even cry, because, as we all know, shared suffering is better. Major events such as the World Cup or the Olympics could never generate such hype without social interaction, as this is the only way people who otherwise have little interest in the sport itself will watch.

The social inversion of this is the virtual reality transmission: as soon as you bring the VR glasses to your eyes, you are alone.

Digital VIP room for friends

The start-up Livelike wants to stick a plaster on this sore spot: It is working on interactive VR environments in which you can meet up with friends dressed as an avatar and watch sporting events together.

The start-up does away with elaborate 180-degree or 360-degree broadcasts. Instead, users meet in a digital VIP room, similar to those found in stadiums. There, they watch the athletes together through a window that simulates the optimal stadium view. The rest of the room is equipped with all kinds of digital objects designed to create the right atmosphere and get fans in the mood.

White label solution for broadcasters and clubs

Livelike aims to offer the VR rooms to broadcasters and event organisers. They can customise and equip the rooms specifically for clubs or events. Fox Sports and the French Tennis Federation are among those to experiment with the software. In addition to traditional sports, Livelike is also targeting the e-sports audience.

15 million US dollars for social virtual reality streaming

In a new round of financing, investors are now providing ten million US dollars for the further development of the software. The first five million was provided last year.

Among other things, the capital is to be channelled into cross-platform compatibility, better menus and more social glue in the rooms, such as mini-games. In addition, interesting concepts for advertisers are to be devised.

Source: Vrodo