8i
8i builds an end-to-end volumetric video platform that captures, reconstructs, compresses, and streams photorealistic 3D holograms, selling turnkey ASPX capture stages, proprietary ML-based Transform software, and a multi-platform Stream delivery product to enterprise clients across communication, entertainment, education, commerce, and defense.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What 8i does
8i is a privately held volumetric video company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles, with operational offices in Chicago, Vietnam, and New Zealand. The company builds an end-to-end platform for capturing, reconstructing, compressing, and streaming photorealistic 3D holograms of real people, organized around three core products: Capture (turnkey ASPX Hologram Stages equipped with 24 to 60 cameras, ARRI SkyPanel lighting, Supermicro compute, and Nvidia GPUs, plus proprietary Gaia recording and calibration software), Transform (proprietary machine learning and computer vision that fuses multi-camera footage into volumetric video and applies 1000x compression to enable real-time streaming), and Stream (a publishing and delivery platform that serves holograms to any device, browser, or XR headset, with native integrations into Unity, Unreal Engine, 8th Wall, and WebXR). 8i monetizes through a combination of one-time ASPX stage hardware and software license sales, recurring software subscriptions, and enterprise professional services for custom hologram capture projects.
The company sells primarily to enterprise buyers across four horizontal use cases — Communication, Entertainment, Education, and Commerce — with marquee engagements including Walmart's Store N°8 retail innovation initiative, L'Oreal Matrix training, an American Express/Radical Media AR experience with Justin Timberlake, Volkswagen automotive marketing, LG U telecom content, MTV entertainment, the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center for immersive training, and a holographic legacy project with Buzz Aldrin. Distribution is direct and consultative, with pricing requiring sales engagement and multi-year enterprise contracts. 8i has raised approximately $42 million in disclosed venture funding from strategic investors including Founders Fund, RRE Ventures, Warner Media, Samsung NEXT, Verizon Ventures, and Baidu Ventures.
8i firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 8i
- Legal name
- 8i
- Website
- https://8i.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- 8i builds an end-to-end volumetric video platform that captures, reconstructs, compresses, and streams photorealistic 3D holograms, selling turnkey ASPX capture stages, proprietary ML-based Transform software, and a multi-platform Stream delivery product to enterprise clients across communication, entertainment, education, commerce, and defense.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
8i industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Volumetric Video Technology
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (512199)
- SIC
- Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Immersive/Interactive Animation (AR/VR/Real-Time) (MPAHACAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Creator Tools & Content Pipelines for Immersive Learning (VR lesson builders, 3D asset workflows) (EDAFAJAL), VP Hardware: LED Panels, Processors, Media Servers & Render Nodes (MPAHADAL), VR/AR Gaming Hardware (Headsets & Controllers) (HDACANAD)
Keywords
Where 8i is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
8i business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Hologram Stage Hardware and Software Sales: Sale of complete ASPX hologram stage packages including hardware components (cameras, lighting, computers, scaffold) and software licenses. Available in three configurations (Pro 2K, Pro 4K, Pro 4K Ultimate) with varying camera counts, resolution, and capture volumes. Includes real-time capable configurations and hologram playback SDK.
- Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Software licensing for recording (Gaia), calibration, transformation (fuse/compress/edit), and streaming capabilities. Bulk software licenses included with hardware purchase. Ongoing software updates and support.
- Professional Services and Project Work: Custom hologram capture projects, production services, and technical support. Includes pre-production consultation, on-site capture execution, and post-production processing. Company has captured for major entertainment, commercial, and training applications.
- Enterprise Solutions and Custom Integrations: Enterprise deployments with custom integrations into customer workflows including Unity, Unreal, and WebXR projects. Mobile volumetric capture solutions for specific use cases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Pro 2K - Entry-level volumetric capture stage with 24 2K cameras |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Pro 4K - Mid-tier stage with 30 4K cameras |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Pro 4K Ultimate - Premium stage with 60 4K cameras for highest quality |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
8i product offering
Product offeringCore offering
8i develops and sells an end-to-end volumetric video platform for capturing, transforming, and streaming photorealistic 3D holograms of real people. The company offers turnkey ASPX Hologram Stage hardware packages (24-60 cameras) bundled with proprietary capture, machine-learning reconstruction, 1000x compression, and multi-device streaming software, sold primarily to enterprise clients in communication, entertainment, education, and commerce.
Product overview
8i offers a comprehensive volumetric video (hologram) platform with three integrated core products: Capture (hardware and software for recording holograms using 24-60 cameras on ASPX Hologram Stages), Transform (ML-powered reconstruction, 1000x compression, and editing software), and Stream (publishing, creation, and streaming to any device or headset). The platform supports both video-on-demand and real-time holograms, with native integrations into Unity, Unreal Engine, 8th Wall, and WebXR. 8i serves enterprise clients across communication, education, entertainment, and commerce verticals, offering turnkey ASPX stage packages in Pro 2K, Pro 4K, and Pro 4K Ultimate configurations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Capture Complete hardware and software solution for capturing holograms, including the ASPX hologram stage, cameras (2K or 4K), ARRI SkyPanel lighting, Supermicro server blades, Nvidia GPUs, recording software 'Gaia', and calibration tools. Supports 24-60 camera synchronization with global shutter and CoaXPress/GigE interface.
- Transform Software tech stack for reconstructing, compressing, and editing volumetric video. Includes 'Fuse' for ML-powered reconstruction from multiple cameras, 'Compress' for 1000x proprietary compression enabling real-time encoding, and 'Edit' for integrating with Maya and other 3D tools.
- Stream Publishing, creation, and streaming platform for delivering holograms to any device, browser, or VR/AR headset. Supports video-on-demand and real-time holograms, CDN distribution, digital rights management, and native integration with Unity, Unreal, 8th Wall, and WebXR.
- ASPX Hologram Stage Pre-configured volumetric video capture stages available in three tiers: Pro 2K (24 cameras, 18'x18'x10' footprint, 9ft capture), Pro 4K (30 cameras, 30'x30'x20' footprint, 18ft capture), and Pro 4K Ultimate (60 cameras). Each includes scaffold, cameras, lighting, computers, recording software, and calibration tools.
- ASPX Pro 2K Entry-level hologram stage with 24 cameras, 2K resolution, 18'x18'x10' footprint, 9 feet capture volume. Includes 8i software license and real-time capable features.
- ASPX Pro 4K Mid-tier hologram stage with 30 cameras, 4K resolution, 30'x30'x20' footprint, 18 feet capture volume. Includes 8i software license, real-time capable features, and hologram playback SDK.
- ASPX Pro 4K Ultimate Flagship hologram stage with 60 cameras, 4K resolution, largest capture volume. Includes all software licenses, real-time capable features, and hologram playback SDK.
- Mobile Volumetric Capture Solution Next-generation mobile volumetric capture solution enabling photorealistic 3D hologram capture outside of fixed ASPX stage installations, for enterprise volumetric capture deployments in the field.
- Gaia Recording Software Proprietary volumetric video recording software with user-friendly interface for configuring recording settings, fast/slow motion capture, automated audio recording synchronized with time-coding, and real-time live feed compatibility.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1000x compression ratio of volumetric video with real-time encoding capability
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use 8i
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
8i technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability5 records
Feature8 records
8i partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.
- ARRIcoreARRI provides SkyPanel LED lighting (S120-C, S60-C) for 8i's hologram capture stages. SkyPanel is widely regarded for powerful output, massive light aperture, full color control, lighting effects, wireless DMX, and carbon fiber yoke. Critical component for capturing flawless, perfectly lit volumetric video.
- NvidiacoreNvidia GPUs included in 8i's computer systems for the capture stage. GPUs are essential for real-time rendering, reconstruction, and compression of volumetric video content.
- SupermicrocoreSupermicro Server Blades are used specifically for render and capture operations in 8i's hologram stages. Part of the complete hardware solution for volumetric capture.
- FortinetcoreFortigate Firewall Security is included in 8i's computer systems to provide network security for the capture and processing infrastructure.
- DellsupportingDell hardware components included in 8i's technology stack for capture stages and infrastructure.
- JLCoopersupportingJLCooper provides specialized equipment for the capture stage setup, contributing to the complete hardware solution.
- EuresyssupportingEuresys provides components for the capture stage, part of the integrated hardware solution.
- IOsupportingIO provides equipment for the capture stage, contributing to the complete volumetric video capture solution.
- Unity TechnologiescoreUnity integration allows hologram assets to be brought into Unity projects for immersive experience development. 8i's platform directly integrates with Unity for native application development.
- Epic Games (Unreal Engine)coreUnreal Engine integration enables hologram assets to be used in Unreal-based projects. Direct platform integration for native and WebXR experiences.
- 8th Wallcore8th Wall integration enables WebXR experiences allowing holograms to be experienced through web browsers on mobile devices without app downloads.
- Autodesk (Maya)coreMaya integration allows editing and manipulation of hologram performances. Supports Maya editing workflow with FBX and GLTF mesh outputs for industry-standard 3D production.
- BlendersupportingBlender integration supports industry-standard open-source 3D tool workflows alongside Maya.
- A-Framesupporting8i's presentation software is built on A-Frame framework for web-based 3D and VR experiences.
- American ExpressflagshipStrategic partnership with American Express and Radical Media to create 'Outside In' mixed reality experience with Justin Timberlake. Viewers could explore his song 'Breeze off the Pond' in AR and shop exclusive merchandise using AmEx cards. First-of-its-kind entertainment and commerce integration.
- Walmart (Store Nº8)flagshipParticipation in Walmart's Store Nº8 inaugural innovation gala demonstrating VR/AR shopping technology. Strategic collaboration to shape future of retail shopping through immersive experiences.
- US Army / DEVCOM Soldier CenterflagshipProud partner of US military providing battle-realistic training scenarios using volumetric video capture. Created fully immersive medical training experiences for soldiers to practice emergency procedures.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
8i competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Looking Glass Factory: Developer of holographic light-field displays for enterprise visualization, retail, and creative applications. Adjacent competitor in bringing volumetric/3D content to end users; complements rather than replaces volumetric capture pipelines like 8i's.
- Mantiscope / Mantis Vision: 3D sensing and structured-light capture technology used in mobile, AR, and volumetric capture applications. Competes with 8i on the capture hardware/computer-vision layer of volumetric pipelines.
- Leia Inc: Light-field 3D display technology for mobile and automotive, enabling glasses-free holographic visuals. Overlaps with 8i on the delivery/streaming side of immersive 3D content rather than capture.
- Twin Reality: Volumetric video and real-time 3D human capture platform focused on retail, fashion, and metaverse commerce. Directly comparable to 8i's commerce use case (Walmart/Bonobos virtual try-on) with emphasis on photorealistic digital humans.
Direct peers
- Dimension Studios: Volumetric video and VFX studio with capture rigs and production services for brand, entertainment, and fashion activations. Overlaps directly with 8i's enterprise customer base (Walmart-style retail, music artists, brand campaigns).
- 4DViews: Provides volumetric video capture systems and software for live performance, broadcast, and immersive experiences. Competes with 8i's ASPX stages on capture hardware and streamable holographic assets.
- Metastage: Volumetric video capture studio offering end-to-end holographic capture services for sports, entertainment, and enterprise. Direct competitor to 8i on both hardware stages and capture/production services, with a comparable consulting-to-product motion.
- DGene: AI-driven volumetric capture and digital human platform producing photorealistic 3D content for entertainment and enterprise. Closely comparable to 8i in ML reconstruction, compression, and streaming of holograms.
Broad incumbents
- Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studios: Operates a global network of volumetric video capture studios and partners directly competes with 8i's ASPX stages. Backed by Microsoft's cloud, content, and HoloLens distribution; serves enterprise XR use cases that overlap with 8i's communication, training, and entertainment verticals.
- Intel RealSense: Intel's depth-sensing camera and computer vision technology used in 3D capture, AR/VR, and robotics. Adjacent competitor in volumetric capture enabling technology, with broader distribution but less focus on turnkey hologram stages.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
8i social profiles
Digital presence8i financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
8i leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
8i funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors24 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
8i M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 8i
What does 8i do?
8i develops and sells an end-to-end volumetric video platform for capturing, transforming, and streaming photorealistic 3D holograms of real people. The company offers turnkey ASPX Hologram Stage hardware packages (24-60 cameras) bundled with proprietary capture, machine-learning reconstruction, 1000x compression, and multi-device streaming software, sold primarily to enterprise clients in communication, entertainment, education, and commerce.
Is 8i a public or private company?
8i is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was 8i founded?
8i was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is 8i based?
8i is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does 8i make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hologram Stage Hardware and Software Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Subscriptions, professional Services and Project Work and enterprise Solutions and Custom Integrations.
Who are 8i's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Looking Glass Factory, Mantiscope / Mantis Vision, Leia Inc and Twin Reality. Direct peers are Dimension Studios, 4DViews, Metastage and DGene. Broad incumbents are Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studios and Intel RealSense.
Does 8i have an API?
No public API is recorded for 8i.
What industry is 8i in?
8i's product category is Volumetric Video Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHACAN, Immersive/Interactive Animation (AR/VR/Real-Time), with a secondary code of EDAFAJAL, Creator Tools & Content Pipelines for Immersive Learning (VR lesson builders, 3D asset workflows). Its NAICS code is 3343 and its SIC code is 3861.