Aerospace giant Boeing earlier this week announced an investment in C360 Technologies. Wexford, Pa.-based C360 is focused in 360-degree video and augmented/virtual reality and had a hand in providing camera systems for recent FOX Sports telecasts such as Super Bowl LI, the Daytona 500 and MLB All-Star events.
Boeing HorizonX is joined by BlueTree Capital in the investment as the two combined for more than was originally planned ($3.5M as opposed to $2.5M).
#Boeing invests in Pittsburgh-based AR/VR video leader C360, great example of exciting local tech scene. https://t.co/4eJZIROmAl pic.twitter.com/T3y6XLSsVt
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) August 3, 2017
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“Since the inception of our company, we’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best organizations in the world, integrating C360’s technology into sports telecasts viewed by international audiences,” C360 Technologies’ CEO Evan Wimer said in a statement. “It’s extremely gratifying that Boeing HorizonX has recognized our contributions within the sports broadcasting industry, and at the same time envisions how C360 could be utilized in future Boeing applications. We’re confident that Boeing’s investment into C360 will propel and inspire us to further advancements in the 360 VR/AR industry.”
For Boeing, the hope is it will be able to make use of C360’s video tech to build more capable autonomous systems. The investment is one of many for the company as they continue seeking industry-changing products and ideas.
“Our C360 investment is a powerful example of how HorizonX can access rapid advances in innovation outside aerospace and bring them to our Boeing customers,” Steve Nordlund, Boeing HorizonX VP, said in a statement. “Putting additional capital to work and linking C360’s innovators with our Boeing teams allows us to accelerate new solutions, while providing new market access for C360. It’s a win-win — especially for our customers.”
On the sports side, C360 in addition to FOX Sports has formed relationships with CBS Sports, ESPN, TNT, NASCAR, the NFL, NHL and UFC.