Our Story
The WXR Story
The WXR Fund invests in gender diverse seed stage companies that are transforming business and human interaction with spatial computing (VR/AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). We are the only venture firm at the intersection of the next wave of computing and female founders.
This is the ideal time to invest in these areas. Similar to the broad impact of the internet, spatial computing will be the next way we will communicate and consume digital content. Combined with the power of artificial intelligence, new companies will be created and most industries will be transformed.
Also, diverse teams are building stronger products and companies but female founders still struggle to raise money. There is a BIG opportunity here. One study of over 300 early stage companies, over the course of 10 years, found that teams with at least one woman founder outperformed all-male teams by 63%. Time after time, research has shown that diverse teams lead to better financial outcomes.
Beyond our extensive networks, our deal pipeline comes from an accelerator program. Working closely with companies in the program allowed us to create and test a playbook for supporting portfolio companies. We also support entrepreneurs through the early stages of the start-up with broad relationships across VR, AR, investment and media communities with expertise as a serial entrepreneur and Corporate M&A. The next computing paradigm is on the verge of growth and early winners are raising now.
The WXR Accelerator
Before launching the fund, we hosted an accelerator. Meet the fantastic companies to graduate the WXR Accelerator below.
In 2018 & 2019, the WXR Fund hosted a virtual accelerator program comprised of a curated mentor program, focused learning seminars, speaking and media opportunities, and a founder community framework to support pre-seed spatial computing and AI companies.
The 2019 cohort was hosted in partnership with Verizon 5G Labs, which offered participating startups additional opportunities to utilize Verizon resources and mentorship from Verizon executives.
By the end of 2019, 26 startups had completed the WXR Fund Accelerator program. These female founders’ companies range in focus from retail to education to medical to industrial industries. The WXR Accelerator founders have pitched VCs, participated in content series with industry leaders through our content and event programming, and worked with our WXR mentors to hone their business models and continue evolving as strong leaders. While we no longer host the accelerator, these companies remain an important part of our story and community.