Zurich-based HEGIAS has developed the world’s first browser-based, automated virtual reality content management system for the construction and real estate industries. The startup has recently surpassed €900k in funding, after raising €450k in August 2018 in an ongoing Series A round from a range of investors, in which it expects to raise a total of €2.1 million by March 2019.
More and more virtual and augmented reality applications have been establishing themselves recently. Founded at the end of 2017, HEGIAS has been able to convince investors as a comprehensive high-end virtual reality CMS solution, with applications for architects, construction companies, homeowners, brokers, and interior designers. The startup plans to be applicable for any VR content in the near future.
Currently, however, HEGIAS is focusing primarily on the construction industry. High-quality 3D data is already available in this sector, and the added value of virtual inspections is very promising.
HEGIAS VR solution can prevent misunderstandings during planning and construction, and its software also supports the sales and rental process of real estate, as well as in design. Since marketing can begin even before construction, the vacancy rate at the end of construction can be greatly reduced using HEGIAS, producing additional revenue for contractors.
HEGIAS’ solution also promises to be up to 100 times cheaper than other high-end visualisations utilising VR, generating substantial savings for customers – and also promises much faster results than its competitors thanks to automation.
The ongoing Series A round will ensure the financing of the completion of the startup’s CMS and its international market launch.
Further financing, basic development and usability tests of HEGIAS 1.0 have been supported by various pilot projects with customers such as SPS/Wincasa, Implenia, Swisscanto, and a specialised VR/CMS project for Shopfitting with Jegen AG. With these pilot projects, HEGIAS technology has already been successfully used in various real estate projects.
Ulrich Blessing, from the real estate development agency Implenia, commented: “The presentation was a complete success. The VR model has aroused great enthusiasm among all those involved, thus supporting the continuation of project development.”
