Focus MRS raises £150k from Jenson Funding Partners to scale its virtual learning platform.
Jenson Funding Partners backed the mixed-reality education startup to support team expansion and product development.
Focus MRS provides a mixed reality virtual learning platform designed to enhance the teaching of practical subjects through 360-degree video streaming and smartphones. The technology allows educators to reach students remotely without the need for expensive headsets.
Focus MRS has secured £150k in a seed investment round led by Jenson Funding Partners. The company plans to use the capital to expand its development team and acquire new equipment to enhance its product offering.
Founded by Mark Paddock and Damian Chan, Focus MRS developed its platform in response to pandemic lockdowns that disrupted practical vocational training. The system uses standard smartphones and low cost viewers alongside 360-degree cameras to stream lessons for subjects such as construction, hairdressing and fitness.
The fresh capital will support the business as it moves from its beta product to a full commercial rollout. The firm is also preparing to introduce augmented reality holograms to further enrich the remote learning experience for students.
From the founder
"Even before the pandemic, we recognised a market gap between video conferencing tools and VR headsets, where there could have been a suitable remote learning option to teach practical subjects. Lockdown really focused us on the issue and forced us to develop a solution."
Mark Paddock
CEO and founder at Focus MRS
Investor perspective
"Whether it’s a solo tutor wanting to offer an immersive experience, a small training provider with 50 students and the desire to add more student capacity, or a college or university with thousands of students, Focus MRS is able to meet those needs. That versatility really stood out to us, with the concept inspired by the pandemic but outliving it with such incredible potential to evolve practical learning as we know it. We’re really excited to be part of the mission to make mixed-reality education accessible for all."
Jeffrey Faustin
Partner and CIO, Jenson Funding Partners
Use of funds
- 01Continue product development