Belfast-based creative technology software company Retinize has closed a £1.3 million equity funding round, supplemented by a further £300,000 in grant funding, which will allow it to accelerate the commercial growth of its game-changing Animotive collaborative platform.
The equity raise features investment from both of the north’s universities – QUBIS, the commercial arm of Queen’s University, and Innovation Ulster from Ulster University.
The round also includes follow-on investments from Sure Valley Ventures, Techstart Ventures and Co-Fund NI, with additional backing from angel investors.
Retinize’s unique AI research is set to further amplify the potential of Animotive, revolutionising how 3D animation is produced across a variety of sectors.
With this fresh injection of capital, the firm is poised to scale operations, broaden its market footprint and reinforce the north’s reputation as a hub for next-generation creative technology.
“We are thrilled by the confidence our new and existing investors have shown in our mission to revolutionise the field of real-time 3D animation, transforming how digital experiences are created and enjoyed,” said Phil Morrow, chief executive at Retinize.
“This funding will enable us to strengthen Animotive’s market position, expand our talented team and continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in real-time 3D animation.”
One of Europe’s fastest-growing creative-tech companies, Retinize was co-founded in 2019 by Phil and Jack Morrow, who together have over four decades of senior experience in high-end global film & television production.
Phil also serves as a director of Studio Ulster – the world’s most advanced virtual production facility – and has previously served as a director ofNI Screen.
Retinize has developed Animotive, an innovative, easy-to-use VR SaaS product that is democratising the 3D animation production pipeline by removing technical barriers and over 80% of the cost.
The product is custom-built for creative organisations and individuals who find 3D animation production challenging, and the real-time collaborative VR tool harnesses spatial computing, generative AI, and rendering technology to streamline the entire production process, freeing users to focus on creativity.