Rival Emerges from Stealth with $4.2m in Pre-Seed Round
Deal News | Mar 25, 2025 | UK Tech Funding
Rival, a London-based startup focused on 3D content generation, has emerged from stealth, securing a $4.2 million pre-seed funding round. Founded in June 2023, Rival plans to invest in expanding its team, particularly ML/AI engineers, and grow its presence in the U.S. The funding round was led by Speedinvest, with participation from New Renaissance Ventures and high-profile angel investors. Rival's technology allows users to convert 2D videos into immersive 3D experiences, compatible with Meta Quest headsets and in future support for Apple Vision Pro and Pico. The startup aims to bridge the content gap in spatial computing with its innovative platform. Co-founders Alexander Oppermann and Konrad Melzer bring expertise from Google, Meta, Amazon, and other leading firms.
Sectors
- Technology
- Venture Capital
- Spatial Computing
Geography
- United Kingdom – Rival is a London-based startup, indicating its primary operational geography.
- United States – Rival aims to expand its presence in the U.S. market.
Industry
- Technology – Rival operates in the technology sector, focusing on 3D content generation and AI-driven innovations.
- Venture Capital – The industry is relevant as the article revolves around a pre-seed funding round led by Speedinvest and other investors.
- Spatial Computing – The core of Rival’s innovation is unlocking spatial computing’s potential through its 3D content platform.
Financials
- $4.2m – The total amount raised by Rival in the pre-seed funding round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rival | Target Company | Company | A London-based startup focused on 3D content generation and spatial computing. |
| Speedinvest | Lead Investor | Company | A venture capital firm that led Rival’s pre-seed funding round. |
| New Renaissance Ventures | Investor | Company | A venture capital firm that participated in the funding round. |
| Alexander Oppermann | Co-founder of Rival | Person | London School of Economics graduate, previously worked at GIC. |
| Konrad Melzer | Co-founder of Rival | Person | Machine learning software engineer, formerly developed security software for the German FBI. |
| Victor Huerbe | Principal at Speedinvest | Person | Part of Speedinvest's Marketplaces & Consumer investment team. |