34. Volta

Founders: Mitchell Bayer-Goldman, Will Dixon, Yuli Levtov, Alex Kane
Founded: 2019
Website: volta-xr.com

Responsive 3D visuals have the power to transform a live performance, exhibition or live stream. Volta knows this well, and the Volta team is on a mission to make such tech accessible to all.

Volta is a self-service XR platform which lets artists create mixed reality experiences for free, allowing them to engage with their audiences in innovative ways.

In the music industry, visual media is a valuable way for artists to communicate their brand and connect with audiences. Yet, with mixed reality experiences costing several thousands of pounds to create, immersive audio-reactive performances were typically reserved for big players like The Weekend and Travis Scott – until Volta XR.

Founded in 2019, Volta XR aims to make extended reality technology attainable to all creators, not just the top tier performers. By removing the barriers to entry for those without the financial means or artistic ability, the service helps creators unlock profit-making opportunities, by creating a spectacle for their audiences and fans.

In Volta’s short three-year history, its software has already been deemed one of the best inventions of 2021 by TIME magazine, powered visuals for artists like BONOBO and Jamie Jones, and dazzled global audiences in iconic locations from New York’s Brooklyn Mirage to Ibiza’s Amnesia.

But it looks like the best is still yet to come. As the $30 billion live music market continues to transform digitally, the demand for audio-visual and XR experiences is only increasing.

And while Volta’s roots are planted firmly within the music industry, they’re also looking to expand into other industries including gaming, fashion, fitness, podcasts and more, unlocking a lot more avenues for growth.
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Guided by the ultimate aspiration to make mixed reality its own art form — and Volta and de facto tool to make it — it’s safe to say we’re very excited to see what the future holds for this XR powerhouse.