Disguise

What Disguise does

Disguise Systems Limited, founded in 2009 and headquartered in London, is a global provider of integrated visual experience platforms for the entertainment industry. The company's core offering combines real-time rendering software, purpose-built media server hardware, and cloud-based collaboration tools that enable producers to design, simulate, and deliver complex real-time graphics for live events, virtual production, broadcast studios, and immersive installations. The software stack centers on Designer (the primary design and control application), the new Disguise X1 software-only platform, Disguise Cloud, and the proprietary RenderStream protocol that connects the platform to any external rendering engine (Unreal Engine, Unity, Notch). Hardware spans the GX, VX, RX, and EX media server ranges, supplemented by Omnical camera calibration, VFC video format conversion cards, and Fabric components. The company claims 80% share of the world's biggest A-list live tours, 90% of Tier 1 live shows, and 402 virtual production and xR studios powered across 116 countries.

Disguise operates a hybrid revenue model with five streams: hardware sales (GX/VX/EX/RX servers), software subscriptions and licenses (Designer, X1, Cloud), professional services (creative and technical delivery, including virtual art department and broadcast graphics), training and education through Disguise Learn, and indirect revenue through a four-tier global channel partner program (Creative Production, Rental, Workflow Specialist, System Integration) covering 115+ countries. Pricing is tiered for software (monthly subscriptions with free trials for Designer) and quote-based for enterprise hardware, with multi-year contracts common. Customer concentration sits in entertainment verticals: major concert tours (U2, Adele, Beyoncé, Katy Perry), broadcast networks (NBC, CNN, Eurosport, Turner Sports, ESPN, TUDN, HBO), film and streaming (Disney, Netflix, Top Gun: Maverick virtual production), brand activations (Louis Vuitton, Nike, BMW, Snapdragon), and signature live events (Eurovision Song Contest, MDLBEAST Soundstorm, PIER59 Studios).

The company was acquired by The Carlyle Group in 2021 and has since executed two strategic acquisitions—Polygon Labs (March 2022, broadcast data visualization) and Meptik (July 2022, Atlanta-based creative studio for AR/MR/virtual production)—and recently expanded US presence with an 8,000 sq ft Experience Center in Atlanta's West Midtown (February 2026). The leadership team comprises CEO Fernando Kufer, CCO Tom Rockhill, and founder Ashraf Nehru (Chief Innovation Officer), with offices in London, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Quebec serving a global customer base.

Name

Disguise

Legal name

Disguise Systems Limited

Website

https://disguise.one

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Disguise Systems Limited is a London-based provider of integrated real-time visual experience platforms combining software (Designer, X1, Cloud, RenderStream), media server hardware (GX/VX/RX/EX ranges), and services for live entertainment, virtual production, broadcast, and immersive installations across 116 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Visual Experience Technology Platform

NAICS

Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), Graphic Design Services (541430)

SIC

Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734)

akta.pro primary industry

Rendering, Graphics & Simulation Middleware (MPAFAFAB)

Keywords

• Real-time visual experiences
• Media server hardware
• Virtual production software
• Broadcast graphics platform
• Live event visualization

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of media server hardware including GX Range, VX Range, EX Range, and RX Range products. Premium hardware that delivers flawless performance for complex visual productions.
2. Software Subscriptions and Licenses: Software platform revenue from Designer, X1, Cloud services, and related tools. Subscription and licensing models for ongoing access to platform capabilities and updates.
3. Professional Services: Creative services (immersive experiences, broadcast graphics, virtual art department) and technical services including project support, consulting, and VAD services from ideation to delivery.
4. Training and Education Services: Disguise Learn platform offering online and classroom courses, user guides, webinars, and training partner programs for skill development.
5. Channel Partner Program: Revenue through global network of Solution Partners providing creative production, rental, workflow specialist, and system integration services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Disguise provides an integrated visual experience platform combining proprietary software (Designer, X1, Cloud, RenderStream), hardware media servers (GX, VX, RX, EX ranges), and creative and technical services to enable real-time graphics for live entertainment, virtual production, broadcast, immersive installations, stadiums, and brand experiences. The platform supports end-to-end workflows from visualization and design through control and delivery, powering 80% of the world's biggest A-list live tours and 402 virtual production and xR studios across 116 countries.

Product overview

Disguise offers a unified visual experience platform combining software, hardware, and cloud services for real-time spectacle in entertainment. The software portfolio includes Designer (core design/control software), X1 (software-only platform), Cloud (collaborative tools), RenderStream (graphics engine connector), Drive, Previz, Mapping Matter, and Porta. Hardware ranges span the GX, VX, RX, and EX media server families, plus Omnical (camera calibration), VFC cards, and Fabric components, unified through Studio Pro as an integrated solution. The ecosystem is augmented by acquired brands Meptik (creative studio) and Polygon Labs (broadcast visualization). The platform supports 402 VP/xR studios across 116 operating countries and drives 90% of Tier 1 live shows.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Disguise X1: Software platform described as the most flexible software solution
• Designer
• Disguise Cloud
• RenderStream
• Porta
• Previz
• Mapping Matter
• Disguise Drive
• GX Range
• VX Range
• EX Range
• RX Range
• Omnical
• VFC
• Fabric
• Studio Pro

Products and services

• Designer Industry-standard visual experience software for designing, programming, and controlling complex real-time graphics across live shows, broadcasts, and virtual productions.
• Disguise X1 Software-only platform offering flexible deployment options, enabling Disguise's visual experience capabilities without dedicated hardware.
• Cloud Suite of collaborative cloud tools enabling global teams of creators, producers, and clients to create, visualize, and approve real-time 3D projects in accelerated workflows.
• RenderStream Proprietary protocol enabling real-time graphics synchronization between Disguise's platform and external rendering engines (Unreal Engine, Unity, etc.), allowing superior graphics control at any scale.
• Drive Data management and content distribution solution within the Disguise ecosystem.
• Previz Pre-visualization tool for planning and simulating complex visual setups before live deployment.
• Mapping Matter Projection mapping software for designing and executing complex projection installations on 3D surfaces and architectural elements.
• Porta Portable solution for on-the-go visual experience delivery.
• GX Range Premium media servers for demanding live event and broadcast productions, delivering high performance and reliability for large-scale visual experiences.
• VX Range Professional media server range for virtual production and broadcast applications.
• RX Range Render node solutions for powering LED volumes and virtual production stages, including the RX III used at PIER59 Studios.
• EX Range Entry-level or specialized media server hardware for specific use cases.
• Omnical Camera calibration system for aligning virtual and physical elements in LED volume and virtual production environments.
• VFC (Video Format Conversion Cards) Firmware and hardware solutions for video format conversion and ST 2110 workflow support, enabling low-latency video distribution in broadcast environments.
• Fabric Hardware component within the Disguise ecosystem.
• Studio Pro Complete integrated solution combining Disguise software and hardware for professional virtual production studios.
• Disguise Services Project support, consulting, VAD (Virtual Art Department), and data-driven broadcast graphics services; creative services span immersive experiences, broadcast graphics, and virtual art department, while technical services cover project support, consulting, and on-site delivery.
• Disguise Learn Online and classroom courses, user guides, webinars, and training partner programs delivering professional training and certification on the Disguise platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of world's biggest A-list live tours created and run on Disguise platform
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability2 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and strategic.

• Creative TechnologyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 20268-year consecutive partnership providing visual playback infrastructure for Eurovision Song Contest. Deploying GX 3 media servers to power heavily LED-driven stage design. One of first major live broadcast productions to utilize Disguise's IP-VFC firmware update.
• MRMC (Mark Roberts Motion Control)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026Partnership for virtual production and augmented reality workflow development. Integration between robotic camera systems (Roaming Pedestal System, Kronos Curved Rail System, LiveTrack AI) and Disguise graphics engines for live sports, virtual production, and high-end cinematography applications.
• ASB GlassFloorflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2026Strategic partnership to transform sports arena floors into interactive digital platforms using LED technology. Enables real-time player performance visualization and AR fan experiences. Co-developing fan engagement applications and providing portable digital courts for marquee sports events including NBA All Star Weekend and EuroLeague.
• MeptikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2022Atlanta-based creative studio acquired in 2022 to expand global reach in immersive productions. Specializes in creating virtual worlds and AR, MR, and virtual production projects. Both companies operate independently but collaborate on developing new solutions and setting standards in entertainment technology.
• Polygon LabscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 March 2022Broadcast data and content visualization platform acquired to enhance offerings with cloud-based workflows for broadcasters. Integrates high-end graphics and real-time data visualization capabilities into Disguise workflow for improved broadcast production and collaboration.
• Epic GamescoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic technology partnership for Unreal Engine integration. Disguise platform connects with Unreal Engine rendering for real-time visual experiences.
• NVIDIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic technology partnership for GPU rendering capabilities powering Disguise's real-time visual experience platform.
• ROE VisualstrategicTechnology or IntegrationLED display technology partnership providing high-quality LED walls for use with Disguise media servers at events including Eurovision 2026.
• SnapstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for AR/XR experiences and visual technology collaboration in immersive entertainment.
• Warner Bros.strategicTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership for entertainment production collaboration with major film and media company.
• Unreal EnginecoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partnership for rendering engine integration enabling any engine to work with Disguise platform via RenderStream.
• NotchstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partnership for real-time 3D content creation and visual effects integration.
• White LightstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSolution partner providing specialist services for delivering Disguise-based experiences in UK and international markets.
• SolotechstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSolution partner providing specialist services and technical expertise for Disguise solutions in Canadian and international markets.
• Fuse Technical GroupstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSolution partner providing specialist services and technical integration for Disguise platform implementations.
• Visual NoisestrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVisual production partner for MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025 music festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Deployment of advanced visual technology with ultra-low-latency visuals and interconnected video system.
• PRGstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProduction partner for MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025 music festival. Collaboration on visual experience delivery for thousands of fans.
• PIER59 StudiosstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVirtual production studio integrating RX III render nodes from Disguise at Manhattan facility. Enhanced real-time 3D in-camera production capabilities for improved reliability, cost savings, and efficiency.
• L-AcousticsstrategicTechnology or IntegrationAudio technology partner for immersive tunnel demonstration at ISE 2026, combining spatial audio with Disguise visual experiences.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ROE Visual: ROE Visual is a leading LED display manufacturer whose panels are commonly paired with Disguise media servers at large-scale events (e.g., Eurovision 2026). It is a direct infrastructure peer in the live-event visual production stack, though it sits one layer down (the LED panels Disguise drives).
• Brompton Technology: Brompton Technology makes Tessera LED video processors used widely alongside media servers in live events, broadcast and virtual production. It is a direct peer for the image-processing layer of large-scale visual experiences and frequently competes with Disguise's VFC and Fabric product lines.
• Megapixel VR (Megapixel): Megapixel provides high-end LED display processors and rental LED panels for virtual production and broadcast. It is a direct peer in the LED-volume / xR stack Disguise serves, often competing for the same flagship film and broadcast projects.
• Pixomondo (Sony Pictures Virtual Production): Pixomondo operates one of the largest networks of virtual production LED volume stages globally and is both a customer and competitor to Disguise in the film/broadcast VP market. It represents an integrated peer that combines stage operations with technology choices that include Disguise hardware.
• Mo-Sys Engineering: Mo-Sys makes camera tracking and virtual production hardware/software (StarTracker, VP Pro) used on LED volume stages. It directly competes with Disguise's Omnical and the broader xR/VP stack on broadcast and film production sets.
• Zero Density: Zero Density provides real-time broadcast graphics and virtual studio solutions (RealityHub, TRAXIS) based on Unreal Engine. It competes directly with Disguise's broadcast segment (NBC, Eurosport, CNN, Turner Sports accounts), particularly for xR broadcast graphics.

Broad incumbents

• Epic Games (Unreal Engine): Epic Games' Unreal Engine is the dominant real-time rendering engine integrated with Disguise via RenderStream. While currently a strategic technology partner, Unreal is also a broad incumbent that could expand into show-control / media-server functionality, making it both a critical dependency and a long-term competitive risk.
• NVIDIA: NVIDIA powers the GPU rendering layer beneath Disguise's platform (strategic partner) and through Omniverse is increasingly active in virtual production and broadcast graphics. It is a broad incumbent in the same value chain that could vertically integrate further downstream.
• Ross Video: Ross Video is a long-established broadcast infrastructure vendor offering graphics, production switchers and virtual set solutions. It is a broad incumbent competing with Disguise's broadcast and virtual production offerings for the same TV network and sports broadcast customers.
• Vizrt (Vizrt Group): Vizrt (now part of the Vizrt Group alongside NewTek and NDI) is a dominant broadcast graphics and live production platform. It competes with Disguise's broadcast graphics and virtual studio offerings across news, sports and entertainment broadcast customers globally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/disguise_one

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Disguise