Sponsored By

Google Acquires 3D Avatar StartupGoogle Acquires 3D Avatar Startup

Search giant pays $100 million for Alter, whose investors included Twitter

Ben Wodecki

November 7, 2022

1 Min Read

Google has acquired AI startup Alter in a deal worth around $100 million, as the search giant beefs up its VR and AR capabilities.

Based in New York, Alter developed a software kit that allows brands to develop 3D avatars. The avatars can be used for apps and games with metaverse applications in mind.

The news was reported by TechCrunch; AI Business has contacted Google for comment.

Jon Slimak, Alter's COO, however, updated his LinkedIn as working for Google.

Alter’s $100 million purchase price stands in stark contrast to its fundraise history, which totaled $4.5 million since March 2017, according to Crunchbase.

Notable investors in Alter included Twitter; Play Ventures which also invested in Savage Game Studios before being acquired by PlayStation; and Japanese internet company Gree.

Alter began its life under the name Facemoji with codes to its 3D avatar system available via GitHub.

In early October, Alphabet’s venture capital arm GV led a $12m funding round for VR startup SideQuest.

About the Author(s)

Ben Wodecki

Assistant Editor

Ben Wodecki is the assistant editor for AI Business, covering a wide range of AI content. Ben joined the team in March 2021, and has previously written for IoT World Today, IP Magazine, and The Telegraph India, among others.

Keep up with the ever-evolving AI landscape
Unlock exclusive AI content by subscribing to our newsletter!!

You May Also Like