Investment in Virtual Worlds

Thursday, 05 February 2009 03:51

While we were writing 'The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life® Virtual World', we interviewed people representing various sectors of business to see how they are using the virtual world of Second Life for their business or educational goals. What we found was that although there are people making money today, many are building a foundation for something bigger for tomorrow.

$580 Million Invested in 41 Virtual Goods-Related Businesses in 2008*

We know how virtual worlds are shaping up for the future, with convenient interaction, collaborative cost-savings and eco-friendly incentives, but we didn't know just how much was being invested. Thanks to a comprehensive investment report on 2008 virtual world investments by 'VirtualGoodsNews.com', we were pleasantly surprised at the continued growth and confidence venture capital and media firms are placing in virtual worlds. Their investments of approximately $585 million in 41 virtual world companies are very reaffirming.See the report here: http://www.virtualworldsmanagement.com/2008/vgoods2008.html

Friday, February 06, 2009 / An important update was made to the article I referenced above. I find it only fair to post it here, too.

Press Release Correction: Our previous announcement erroneously included debt financing in a list of investments for virtual goods-based businesses. Below is the corrected information. Details of the corrections can be found with the full report online at http://www.virtualworldsmanagement.com/2008/vgoods2008.html

*$408 Million Invested in 40 Virtual Goods-Related Businesses in 2008. Investment Report Examines Businesses Involved in Microtransactions, Virtual Goods and Gifts

Well, (sigh) $580 million was way more exciting. lol.

Written by :