I remember the first wave of web avatars back in 2000, when several firms were touting a future where 3D characters would accompany us on our web surfing. It didn't quite happen then. However, the social media boom makes the idea more appealing now. Gizmoz is one of the new startups hoping to capitalise, and it's just raised a fat funding round to do it.
The company has secured a $6.5 million second round of funding, led by DoCoMo Capital, with participation from NGI Capital, Benchmark Capital and Columbia Capital (those last two were previous investors in the company).
Gizmoz already has some deals for its 3D avatars, putting them on Facebook and AOL’s AIM instant messaging service. Its twist is that users can upload a mugshot, which is then integrated into their avatar to create something more photorealistic.
DoCoMo Capital’s involvement in the new funding round is telling though, since Gizmoz plans to use the funds to expand into Asia, starting with Japan. The emphasis there may need to be on mobile avatars rather than web-based characters, though.
0 comments