TRIPP, a developer creating VR meditation experiences, announced it’s secured $11.2 million funding round which it says will be used to expand so it can meet growing global demand for mental wellbeing apps accessible through AR, VR and mobile platforms.
The Series A was led by BITKRAFT Ventures, with participation from Qualcomm, Amazon Alexa Fund, HTC, Niantic and existing investor Mayfield. This brings the Los Angeles-based company’s funding to $26.3 million to date, adding to an $11 million funding round announced in June 2021.
The company says funds will be used to expand its team in addition to supporting the acquisition of VR worldbuilding platform Eden from BeardedEye, creators of the Galactic Gallery (2017) VR experience.
TRIPP says Eden, which is its third acquisition, will also soon launch on its eponymous VR platform, which the company says will enable users to further “customize their TRIPP experience, explore digital realities and meet other people.”
“With over one billion people globally suffering from depression, anxiety, or stress, we’re hopeful that innovations like TRIPP can be a part of the solution,” said Moritz Baier-Lentz, partner at BITKRAFT Ventures. “Beyond a great product that is already a leader in its category, there was a lot to like about what Nanea and the TRIPP team have built. It’s rare to find such a combination of authentic founder-market fit, operational excellence, and an exciting vision with many avenues for future growth.”
“We’re grateful that more and more investors are recognizing the need for innovative wellness tools that expand beyond traditional meditation apps,” said Nanea Reeves, founder and CEO of TRIPP. “Through our acquisition of Eden, we’re one step closer to truly building a mindful metaverse and establishing a safe space for transformative experiences in digital realities while also empowering creators to join us in our mission.”
TRIPP is available across a host of devices, including Meta Quest 2, Vive Flow, PSVR, Nreal, and both the Web and mobile platforms. The app features guided meditations, calming environments, binaural audio for meditation, breathing exercises, and the ability to track your progress. The app is priced at either $5 per month, or $35 for lifetime access.
Virtual reality (VR) gaming is pure escapism. That ability to put on a headset and be transported to any number of virtual worlds, going on quests, meeting friends, competing for leaderboards positions and much more. VR’s also a great way to warm up those muscles in the morning or destress at the end of the day with some virtual meditation. Here are some of the best ways on Meta Quest to keep your mind and body healthy.
The following apps are a mixture of fitness games to really get the blood pumping alongside those designed to help you unwind. So they’re listed in no particular order, simply some of the ones the gmw3 team like.
Everyone needs a bit of get-up and go in the morning so why not start the day with a rhythm action game. Meta Quest has some excellent ones in the store and one that’s definitely worth a look is Synth Riders.
Originally released with loads of Synthwave, Dubstep and other electronic beats, the videogame has greatly expanded to artists such as Lindsey Stirling, Muse, and Caravan Palace. Equally, Synth Riders has added plenty of new functionality, tracking calories, multiplayer, a 360-degree spin mode and much more. Thus you can always wake up in the morning knowing there’s something different to try.
If you’re after a more tailored workout experience then why not try one of the latest titles to arrive for Meta Quest, Les Mills Bodycombat. Bringing the world-famous workout into VR, you’ll find a perfect blend of fitness and martial arts all in one spot.
Featuring personal trainers that keep you motivated throughout each session, Les Mills Bodycombat has workout plans designed for those just starting their fitness journey and those looking for a more advanced workout. Utilising a full-body workout style, you’ll go from a few light jabs and hooks to squats, hammer fists and uppercuts, pushing that intensity with each session.
If you’re after a more fitness-focused approach to VR rather than a hectic rhythm game then this is a good place to start, and there’s no monthly subscription.
Now let’s switch to a far more chilled VR experience, Tripp. Winner of Best VR Meditation App by Men’s Health, Tripp has over 75 immersive mindfulness techniques to help relax and lift your mood.
Sit down and get comfy as Tripp takes you on an almost psychedelic journey through amazing environments, immersing you in waves of sound whilst encouraging breathing techniques to help enhance that sense of calm. Try the demo and you’ll feel like jelly.
Tripp is one of the few apps to offer a free trial followed by either a one-off purchase of $34.99 for lifetime access or a monthly subscription of $4.99, making access as stress-free as possible.
As an alternate to Tripp there’s always Guided Meditation VR. The name kind of says it all, enjoy a selection of over 30 hours of guided meditation experiences focused on Anxiety, Depression, Maternity, Resilience, Sleep, and Zen.
Set within 40+ beautiful environments, the meditation experience is enhanced with over 200 relaxing audio tracks as well as customisations options. Turn off the music for example or activate a timer for a more regulated experience. Or how about switching on the “Float On” mode, gently floating automatically through the peaceful environments.
Ahh, starting to feel super relaxed already, plus Guided Meditation VR is a one-off purchase.
Time to get back in shape and for that you’ll need the aptly named FitXR. Originally starting out as a boxing-themed experience the videogame has grown to include Dance and HIIT workout studios.
There are a range of classes depending on whether you’re after a 10-minute warm-up or a far more intensive 30-minute sweat fest. All the workouts are designed in-house by professional fitness instructors for a variety of music genres, so you can work out to rock, dance, RnB and more. Plus there’s a multiplayer so six friends can join in, adding a competitive edge as everyone strives for the best score.
Much like a gym membership, FitXR has an initial 7-day trial followed by a monthly membership of $9.99 (£7.99 GBP).
(Note: There’s a similar game called Supernaturalwhich is subscription-based but its region locked to North America so gmw3 hasn’t included it in the main list.)
How about an oldie but a goldie. Available since 2019, Thrill of the Fightputs you slap bang in the middle of the ring. This is one of those titles which doesn’t offer lots of flashy extras, just you and an opponent to punch it out. There are training areas with a speedball, punching bag and more to fine-tune your skills. The fights themselves are some of the best you’ll get in VR, no arms flailing here, you need to be accurate and punch with intention.
Which means one hell of an arm workout. Plus it relies on a lot of room-scale movement and footwork to really get the best out of it so make sure to clear some space.
One of the most unique fitness games available in VR, let alone on Meta Quest, VZfit was originally a cycling experience. And it still is, sort of.
VZfit employs the power of Google Maps so you can cycle the roads of the world, all without leaving your living room. Create your own routes or cycle pre-made ones, switching between radio stations for some tunes or listening to the optional personal trainer. VZfit has really benefited from its addition of a feature called the Exerboard, doing away with the exercise bike so you can step, lunge, squat and wave those arms with no additional equipment.
Again, this is another 7-day trial followed by a monthly membership scheme of $9.99. While the Exerboard portion of VZfit doesn’t require an exercise bike, to really get the most out of the experience you will need one plus a cadence sensor (about £30/$30). Not exactly cheap but if you’ve already got most of the kit then it makes more sense.
From the same team behind Guided Meditation VR is the ancient art of Tai Chi. Rather than sitting on your ass trying to relax why not employ this Chinese martial art that’s been practised for centuries for defence training and meditation. Guided Tai Chi has over 200 Tai Chi inspired workouts to help you find inner peace ranging from 3-minute to 60-minute sessions.
Feel that tension and stress float away with sessions set within scenic natural environments featuring calming music. Tai Chi has plenty of health benefits, strengthening and toning your body whilst aiding mindfulness. Plus, Guided Tai Chi has a few customisation options to suit most players needs.
When it comes to achieving your fitness goals stats can really help keep you motivated and focused, giving you info on where you’re doing well and where improvements can be made. REAKT Performance Trainer is one of those VR fitness apps designed to help in that endeavour, combining fast-paced training with real-time feedback to help monitor your progress.
After completing an exercise designed to improve your reaction time and hand to eye coordination you’ll get a wealth of information that’ll show your exact hand position, your reaction vs your field of view and more.
Oh, and don’t forget about Oculus Move, the built-in app on Quest that provides additional fitness tracking aids.
TRIPP, the Los Angeles-based startup behind the eponymous VR meditation app, has secured a Series A investment amounting to $11 million.
The investment, which was announced via TechCrunch, was led by Vine Ventures and Mayfield with participation from Integrated. This brings the company’s overall outside funding to $15 million, with its first $4 million secured back in September 2017.
With the aim of reducing everyday stress and creating mindfulness, TRIPP delivers a sort of gamefied meditation experience that focuses on breathing exercises, trippy landscapes, and calming sound frequencies.
According to TRIPP CEO Nanea Reeves, the app serves as a “low-friction alternative that can deliver some of that [psychedelic] experience in a more benign way.”
The app is available on Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift as a subscription service ($5 monthly, $15 annually), but also a one-time $30 purchase on those platforms as well as PSVR.
Reeves tells TechCrunch that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped consumers “dial into the importance of mindfulness and mental health awareness.”
What’s more apparent though is the pandemic has caused a rapid shift to at-home entertainment, that has consequently also seen investment dollars flow more freely to VR startups. Some of the highlights over the past 12 months: social VR platformRec Room garnered $100 million, China-based headset manufacturer Pico raised $37 million Series B+ financing, and startup AppliedVR got $29 million to pursue FDA approval for its VR pain management software.
Subscription-based VR fitness apps like Supernatural and FitXR have also taken the limelight as they were tapped to fill the void left by gym closures. On the platform side of things, Facebook has also not only included platform-level fitness tracking on Oculus Quest headsets, Oculus Move, but also outfitted thousands of its employees with Quest 2 as a way to get them up and moving while still at home.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in the UK with many struggling with being stuck at home, unable to see friends and family. Whilst lockdown restrictions are slowly being rolled back that doesn’t mean everyone’s wellbeing instantly improves overnight. There are various ways to improve your mental health and virtual reality (VR) can be part of that process, from exploring the great outdoors to engaging in some light fitness. So here are a few recommendations for when those stress levels begin to rise.
While you should get out for the odd walk when (and if) you can, there are plenty of studies that highlight the fact that even doing some light exercise can help lift your mood. And this doesn’t need to be intensive workout sessions as long as you’re moving. Naturally, the more often you do exercise, and for longer periods, the greater the effect.
The UK’s Mental Health Foundation also highlights the positive attributes of getting closer to nature, finding that “More than half of UK adults saying being close to nature improved their mental health.” You might not think VR and nature go hand-in-hand but they definitely do if you know where to look.
Tackling fatigue, stress or anxiety with VR
Guided Tai Chi
Perfect as a form of exercise as well as being able to refresh your mind and spirit, Guided Tai Chi provides over 200 workouts, allowing you to select 20 scenic locations and the music to go with each session. These can range from a quick 3-minute warm-up all the way up to 60-minute Tai Chi endurance marathons. On Oculus Quest you even have the ability to use hand tracking for a more natural experience.
Ecosphere
An interactive collection of 360-degree videos, Ecosphereis a nature documentary series. Featuring content from the jungles of Borneo to the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat, viewers will be able to see a diverse selection of wildlife created in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Beat Saber
A rhythm-action videogame every VR player knows and has probably played, Beat Sabercan help you work up a sweat on its expert difficulty levels. With its simple yet addictive gameplay Beat Saber is easy to zone into and forget about the outside world, slicing and dicing coloured blocks to your heart’s content. There are even multiplayer and 360-degree modes when you really want to turn things up a notch.
Nature Treks VR
Keeping with the nature theme, Nature Treks VR is just what you want to explore the great outdoors in VR. Get up close with 20 different animals across a range of environments where you can control the weather and time of day, activate audio visualizations and more. Music plays over each scene of you can turn it off to hear the soothing sounds of nature.
Synth Riders
Another rhythm-action title to help get the blood pumping and loosen those muscles is Synth Riders. Rather than all the hectic slashing of Beat Saber, Synth Riders is a fluid, orb matching experience that helps to stretch your body to a variety of music, from synth-wave through to Muse. The videogame also features a 360° Spin Mode and a cross-platform multiplayer for up to 10 people because it’s nice to get a few mates involved.
Tripp
An award-winning meditation app, Tripp offers 40+ meditative experiences with a mobile app to help personalise and track your Tripp’s. “TRIPP uniquely integrates game play mechanics, breathing exercises, beautiful visual landscapes and sound frequencies. Based on scientific research and used in several clinical studies.” So get comfy on the sofa and enjoy a relaxing journey in VR.
Wander
As you might expect from an app called Wander, this is all about travelling the world and being able to visit locations like the gardens of the Taj Mahal or the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Using data from Google StreetView, you can navigate around using voice controls as well as other input methods. Plus, if you want to learn something along the way Wander features Wikipedia integration.
Where Thoughts Go
A very existential, award-winning social experience, Where Thoughts Gois the work of indie developer Lucas Rizzotto. It lets you uncover the dreams, fears and secrets of other players by waking up creatures – and also leave your own for others to find. Unusual and highly thought-provoking,“These anonymous stories are revealing and inspiring, encouraging reflection and introspection,” explains the synopsis. “Participants have no way to discern who they are hearing from, only how considerate and sensitive each and every person is.”
Real VR Fishing
Time for more VR videogame fun. Fishing has always been considered one of those relaxing, Sunday afternoon past times and with Real VR Fishing, every day can be Sunday. Designed as a realistic fishing simulation, you can head to real-world fishing locations to cast off and see if you can get a bite, on your own or with friends. You’ve got your own aquarium to put the fish you’ve caught in and there’s even a web browsing option so you can pull up YouTube and listen to some tunes out on the water.
National Geographic Explore VR
Last on the list is National Geographic Explore VR an interactive experience where you can explore two locations, Antarctica and Machu Picchu, Peru. In the frozen wastes of the southern continent, you can kayak around icebergs and search for a lost emperor penguin colony. While in Peru wander through digital reconstructions of the ancient Inca citadel, encounter alpacas and take photos of your journey.
A lot of people say that virtual reality will blow your mind. And that’s the point of Tripp, which has raised $4 million to make a VR experience that will alter your mood and your mind.
Mayfield Fund led the round and contributed most of the funds for the startup, which is working on “transformative experiences.” Nanea Reeves, CEO of Tripp, said in an interview with GamesBeat that the company views the experience more as a “journey” that exploits the sensory and immersive elements of VR to change the way a person feels.
“We are creating a native VR experience that changes the way a person feels,” said Reeves. “You can use Tripp to select from a catalog of different feelings, like pumping you up before a workout or calming you down after work.”
Tripp, based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, is working on a native VR game, or experience, that focuses on changing the way a person feels to help them live more happily and effectively. The experience will have a combination of audio and visual elements, gameplay mechanics, and meditation.
They are tapping into research that shows that digital and interactive experiences can have an effect on the brain. They note that we listen to music, play video games, browse social media, binge on our favorite shows — and our mental state changes. Tripp wants to give us more control over that change, giving us tools to slow down, disconnect from others, change our sleep patterns, or meditate.
“We have a common interest in science fiction and the far-reaching implications of it,” said Tim Chang, managing director at Mayfield Fund, in an interview with GamesBeat. “This is like VR net trips, not Netflix. It’s about altering your mood. VR can hack your perception and change things like your focus, state of anxiety, energy, or excitement level.”
(Chang will be a speaker on the future of science fiction and tech at our upcoming GamesBeat Summit 2018 event on April 9-10 in Berkeley, California).
Above: Tripp logo
Image Credit: Tripp
Reeves has worked for 15 years in mobile apps and games with her cofounder Zachary “Zack” Norman at places such as Jamdat Mobile and Electronic Arts. They are joined by chief technology officer Andreja Djokovic.
“We are combining multiple elements to create a completely immersive, supercharged experience that is crafted to put users in a different headspace,” said Reeves. “Using visuals, sounds and targeted interactivity to first create a state of calm, we then take you on a journey that can stimulate a number of different feelings and moods — enabling users to take a step back from their busy lives and enjoy a sensory experience unlike any other.”
Tripp’s focus is to create a state of mindfulness that isn’t just guided but happens “around” you. Tripp is focusing on VR market to build something that doesn’t exist on other platforms. And while the VR market is small, Tripp plans to expand to relevant platforms for “mixed reality.”
“We begin a journey and take you into a meditative state and then take you on a trip,” Reeves said. “We want to create experiences that give you that flow state that you have when you are playing a really great game.”
The team is still early in development and it doesn’t have something to show yet. Reeves said the experience will be procedural, or computer-generated so that it isn’t the same every time. It will tap a neural network, so that it can get better at delivering a targeted trip for each person.
Above: Eliot Peper (right), author of novels such as Cumulus, speaks with Tim Chang, managing director of Mayfield Fund, at GamesBeat Summit 2017.
Image Credit: Michael O’Donnell/VentureBeat
“Zach and I came up with the concept after making a solitaire game,” Reeves said. “We found we were immersed in VR and felt refreshed.”
Chang has been excited about “mind hacking” and the “quantified self” for a long time. He invested in brain game company Lumosity and quantified self firm Basis (which was acquired by Intel). His firm looked at 85 VR startups, and Tripp stood out from the pack because it was “interested in stimulation versus simulation.” Chang said this startup is more like “quantified emotion.”
“When we talked to him, he got it immediately,” Reeves said. “His contribution was tremendous. I’m in sync with him on mindfulness, transformative tech, and mind hacking.”
The team has a half-dozen or so people and is targeting a team of about ten people in the next couple of months, and it is working with an outside studio as well.
If you’re thinking this is a hippie drug startup, that might not be so crazy.
“It’s the recreational drug without the drug,” Chang said. “A lot of this was inspired by themes in books like” Nexus, Ramez Naam’s sci-fi trilogy about a mind-expanding drug. In the novel, the characters hack their own perception and give themselves a kind of superhuman shared consciousness. But Tripp isn’t purely science fiction.
“VR should be good for this because there is a lot of basis for this in research,” Chang said.
Los Angeles-based VR software development company TRIPP has announced a $4 million Series A round investment lead by venture capital firm Mayfield. TRIPP describe themselves as “mood architects”, aiming to create VR software that improves mindfulness.
Many types of VR experiences already function as powerful forms of escapism, but TRIPP believes their approach to creating ‘mindfulness’ VR software can deliver a more-focused brain stimulation that could improve a person’s well being and mental health. According to their website, the team will apply their decades of game development experience combined with “emerging mindfulness research” in VR experiences that affect the user “in deeply positive, and highly targeted ways that take you well beyond ‘fun’.”
In the press release provided to Road to VR, CEO and co-founder Nanea Reeves describes how TRIPP’s approach avoids typical guided meditation techniques, instead going for a deeply immersive experience that happens all around the user.
“We are combining multiple elements to create a completely immersive, supercharged experience that is crafted to put users in a different headspace,” writes Reeves. “Using visuals, sounds and targeted interactivity to first create a state of calm, we then take you on a journey that can stimulate a number of different feelings and moods – enabling users to take a step back from their busy lives and enjoy a sensory experience unlike any other.”
image courtesy TRIPP
Reeves believes there are limited examples of their ‘stimulation over simulation’ philosophy in the VR marketplace today. “Despite the amount of time spent innovating in VR, the applications built for it have mostly attempted to recreate this reality or more immersive 360 versions of content originally created for another medium,” she says. “Taking a TRIPP will not be like anything that exists in the real world.”
Speaking to Dave Westin on the Mobile Growth Podcast in May, Reeves teased how their software aims to be exceedingly pleasurable – “the most fun ten minutes of your life that you’ve ever experienced, that’s our goal from a product standpoint” – and also explained how TRIPP first formed as a result of bringing her cousin and world-famous actor Keanu Reeves to Oculus headquarters for an early Crescent Bay demo.
No specific platforms or dates have been announced, but TRIPP is targeting VR hardware first, with an eye on bringing their software to ‘mixed reality’ in the future, saying they want TRIPP to feature “on every meaningful device that has deep immersion capabilities.”
Mayfield Fund partner Tim Chang joins as a TRIPP board member. Along with his experience in technology investment and engineering, Chang describes himself as a “body- and consciousness-hacking enthusiast” on his Mayfield bio.
