Proto
Setting the Scene
Traditional digital communication methods often fail to provide an immersive and engaging experience, leaving a void in how we interact online.
Here are a few examples:
Zoom fatigue in the workplace or learning environments leads to disengagement.
The absence of nonverbal cues causes misunderstandings.
Virtual events can feel isolating, disconnecting participants from a sense of community.
This week’s company bridges the gap between digital communication and physical presence, with a real-time holographic product.
In a Sentence
Proto is a digital communication and spatial computing technology company that enables real-time holographic interactions for a more immersive experience.
Communications: Beam live and pre-recorded content to hologram devices, giving users a two way communication or a mixed media experience.
Spatial Computing: In addition to the hardware, Proto boasts a proprietary tech stack that includes a holographic display, operating system, cloud services, AI, and a comprehensive app ecosystem..
Bulleted Version:
- Similar to how the smartphone revolutionized communication by putting a computer in people's pockets, Proto similarly transforms personal and professional spaces by offering an immersive holographic environment.
The Basics
- Headquarters: Van Nuys, CA
- Employee Count: 60
- Investors:
Tim Draper, True Capital Management, Christies, Cartan Capital, Mike Walsh, Jillian Manus, Howie Mandel, and Paris Hilton.
- Funding amount: $22M post Series A
- Business model: B2B or B2C hardware sales or lending, software licenses, and percentage of revenue on third party apps
- Early traction: 250 customers, $28M in sales over the past 3 years, cash-flow positive, some customers include CBS, Christie’s, Nets, Colts, St. Judes, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more.
Due Dilligence
WHAT WE LIKE
Market Opportunity: Proto plays in the $25B digital display and signage industry, forecasted to grow 21.4% annually over the next eight years.
Additionally, Proto has wide market application in industries such as retail, corporate use, education, healthcare, and much more.
Defensible: With the development of the world's first holographic operating system, alongside a comprehensive content management system and patented content capture technology, Proto establishes a formidable moat against potential competitors.
Artificial Intelligence: Proto's incorporation of AI-driven avatars and content creation tools enhances user interaction and paves the way for personalized and scalable holographic experiences.
POTENTIAL RISKS
Cost and Accessibility: The high cost of advanced holographic technology may restrict access primarily to well-funded organizations, potentially limiting Proto's market penetration and the democratization of holographic communication.
Adoption: Businesses and consumers may view holographic technology as a futuristic luxury rather than an immediate necessity, potentially slowing adoption rates.
Education: Proto's innovative holographic technology may face slowed adoption due to the need for extensive customer education on its use, which could impact how quickly it becomes integrated into everyday practices or business operations.
Founder Profile
David Nussbaum, CEO: Experience in the Hologram industry for 8+ years, first employee of Hologram USA, and has worked with Universal, CBS, and Sony Pictures
Doug Barry, COO: Former senior executive at EA, Turner, TIVO, Liberate, and GlU; Founding VC for Pandora, Bigfiix, Rightsflow, and Coremetrics, and founded and exited Cobalt Card
Edward Ginis, CTO: Former CTO of Concord Music, and developed a hardware and software platform for Google VR, and Concord Music.
Comps
Light Field Labs: Backed by Samsung Ventures, LG Ventures, Verizon Ventures, and others
Kaleida: Raised crowdfunding in 2016
Holoconnects: Division of Basticom
AxiomHolographics: Backed by INP Capital and the Australian Government (Landing Pads)
HyperVSN: Backed by Mark Cuban, Richard Branson, and other angels
Why Proto
With its patented technology, wide market application, and strong early traction, Proto is projected to redefine interactions across multiple industries.