Oculus Rift's VR headset technology has just raised another $75 million to put toward the idea of putting a virtual reality headset in the homes of ever console owner or PC gamer thanks to its latest round of Series B funding, which will finalize the creation of the project.
According to IGN, the second round of funding was led by Andreessen Horowitz, a firm known for its past support of companies like Facebook, Twitter, Airbnb, Jawbone and Skype. As a result, Marc Andreesen, the co-founder of the company, will now sit on Oculus VR's board of directors.
"We believe Oculus will not only alter the gaming landscape, but will redefine fundamental human experiences in areas like film, education, architecture, and design," Andreessen said in an Oculus press statement. "Oculus is at the tip of the iceberg of its potential, and we're incredibly excited to help them change the world."
The Oculus Rift is a VR headset that seeks to give gamers the experience of navigating vast virtual worlds, like that found in Skyrim, with a simple turn of the head. In 2012 it launched a Kickstarter Campaign that raised $2.4 million in addition to the $16 million it raised in initial investments. The additional $75 million from Series B funding will allow the technology to be brought to the market for public consumption, making Oculus' vision closer to a reality than ever before.
"Over the past 16 months, we've grown from a start-up to a company whose virtual reality headset is poised to change the way we play, work and communicate," Brendan Iribe, Oculus CEO, said. "40,000 developers and enthusiasts, as well as a number of great partners, have joined our cause and helped us bring the seemingly impossible to life. This additional infusion of capital, as well as the leadership and experience of Marc Andreessen, will help us take the final steps toward our ultimate goal: making virtual reality something consumers everywhere can enjoy."
Will you be buying an Oculus Rift headset when it finally hits the market? What games are you most excited about applying the technology to? Comment and share your thoguhts on the matter with us below.
