Within (Virtual Reality)


Within is a technology company based in Los Angeles that creates, acquires, and distributes premium AR, VR and XR experiences across web, mobile, console and headsets.

History

Founded in 2014. Formally named Vrse, the name changed to Within in 2016. The company was founded by Chris Milk, and Aaron Koblin, creator of Google’s Data Arts team. In 2020, Within was named one of FastCompany's Most Innovative Companies. The award recognizes Within's kid's application, Wonderscope, which uses augmented reality to encourage reading, but also hinted that the company will be releasing a fitness training app later in the year.

Investors

On June 16, 2016, Within rebranded from Vrse and raised a $12.65 million series A round led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from 21st Century Fox, WME, Tribeca Enterprises, Annapurna Pictures, Vice and Freelands Ventures. Current investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Temasek, Emerson Collective, 21st Century Fox, Raine Ventures, WME, Live Nation, Vice Media, Tribeca Enterprises, Annapurna Pictures, and Legendary Pictures.

Product

Within's VR app supports all major headsets, including Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, Sony Playstation®VR, and Google Daydream and is available on the iOS App Store, Google Play, Steam and the Oculus Store. Within hosts content that is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems and accessible on iPhone, Android phones, Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, and Oculus Rift.
Within has partnered with The New York Times, NBC, VICE, United Nations, U2, Annapurna Pictures, Conservation International, TOMS, and Apple to produce and distribute content.

Awards

Within was named the #1 VR app for iOS by Apple Insider, featured as "Best New App" on iTunes and is the most downloaded and highest rated cinematic VR app for Google Cardboard.
Within VR films were selected for the Tribeca Film Festival and chosen for the Sundance Film Festival, respectively, in both 2015 and 2016. Within film, "The Displaced", won the Most Next Award at the 2016 AICP Awards and the 2016 Cannes Lions Grand Prix in the Entertainment category. Within Founder Chris Milk’s SNL40 VR special won the Best Online Film & Video Award at the 2016 Webby Awards. Milk’s "Clouds Over Sidra" won the Interactive Category at the 2015 Sheffield Doc/Fest Awards. In 2020 Within was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies.

Competitors