Becoming Metaverse Hub

Our Journey So Far…

In 2020, V-Gather was created to meet the industry demands for an interactive digital space. Fast forward two years and V-Gather is rebranding to become Metaverse Hub.

We are once again developing to meet and exceed the needs of our customers in a wide range of industries. Discover more about our journey from V-Gather to Metaverse Hub as we talk to our Director, Majid Al-Kader.

1. So, tell us about yourself and your background…

I began my career as a mechanical engineer before deciding to change paths. I then went on to gain a PhD in virtual reality and multi-media and have worked in this field since the early 1990s.

Since then, I have founded several businesses, including Skills2Learn Limited, which specialised in VR/AR services and was later acquired by Babcock International in 2014. In 2019, mXreality was founded with the support of the Enzen group with the goal of becoming the leader in mixed reality and digital transformation.

2. Why did you choose this industry?

When I started 30 years ago it was a very scary moment. I heard about the area, multimedia, which was what it was called at the time, it was a brand new and challenging experience, so I decided to step into the unknown and see what happened. And that was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life… to work in digital.

3. When and why was V-Gather created?

V-Gather was created in the summer of 2020 based on the demand and need for the industry to create an immersive, online, 3D content-managed platform, one of the huge factors that caused this was COVID.

Initially, we wanted to find a platform that would allow customers to have control over their online events and exhibitions, and we wanted to do so in an immersive 3D environment rather than the standard Hotspot way. With the help of mXreality and partners, we have created one of the most advanced platforms on the market.

4. What has happened in the last couple of years with V-Gather?

Over the last couple of years, a lot has changed. When we first started the company, we were in the middle of the pandemic and the covid situation was up and down. Now businesses, shops, and large events have opened there is less demand for virtual exhibitions and events. Hence why we made our platform compatible with a wide range of industries and applications, such as industry days, open days for organisations, and product showrooms. Now our platform is used to create 3D interactive experiences to be a part of a hybrid approach.

By doing this it has opened up a lot of doors.

5. Why the rebrand to Metaverse Hub?

The rebrand was mainly caused by how the industry has evolved over the last few years. People misuse the term metaverse by mixing it up with virtual reality and metaverse. V-Gather is a real metaverse because it’s a virtual space that you can sub-lease, which is why we decided to call our company metaverse. Furthermore, we are creating different hubs for different clients which is the most obvious reason for calling it Metaverse Hub.

In addition to a new company name, we have updated our brand with a new look and feel. This is most noticeable on our new website, where you can see Metaverse Hub in action.

6. What are your future goals with Metaverse Hub?

We would like to make Metaverse Hub the platform for virtual experiences. We want organisations to be able to sell their products in our environments, be able to convert their 2D website into an immersive 3D hub and allow colleges and universities to replicate their open days and campuses.

We want to be accessible to everyone!

The plan moving forward is to have industry partners work with us to help spread our product nationally and internationally. As well as keep enhancing our product based on customer feedback.

7. What industry sectors will you be impacting with Metaverse Hub?

We will have an impact on a wide range of industries, the majority of which are currently on our radar: education, manufacturers, automotive, engineering, retail, corporate, pharmaceutical, training, art galleries, and museums.

8. What are some of the struggles you’ve faced with V-Gather?

The most difficult challenge we’ve faced is how the market has shifted from high demand for virtual events to customers wanting to meet face-to-face again, due to covid restrictions being lifted. In a way, covid caused the biggest demand but destroyed it within a couple of years.

9. What has been your highlight with V-Gather?

There have been many highlights but the key one was securing our first customer, Sony, which was extremely successful. As well as our other customers, COP26, Roche, Cardano and many colleges that we are extremely grateful for.

Now, that’s our journey so far and we are excited to see what the future holds for Metaverse Hub!

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of the creation of Metaverse Hub and to everyone who has supported us along the way.

Author: Charlotte Lock

Published: 3^rd November