Movie star Ashton Kutcher and Samsung are among the group of global investors backing a Wellington-founded virtual reality company 8i to the tune of $20 million.
The company, co-founded by Linc Gasking in May last year, has developed a platform that enables users to create, experience and share lifelike 3D video using a virtual reality headset.
It would be using the funding, from venture firms, including Kutcher's Sound Ventures, RRE Ventures, Founders Fund Science, Horizons Ventures, Samsung Ventures and Dolby Family Ventures, to hire staff and fund growth.
"8i records people in a new, more advanced approach than cinematic 3D, allowing viewers to move around freely and experience an authentic feeling of emotional connection with the person they're watching," Gasking said.
Technology blog TechCrunch said 8i was opening a studio in Los Angeles that they plan to let content creators use for free.