Poplar Raises $2.1 m to Go Big on Augmented Reality
Fuel Ventures led a fresh seed round that sees Haatch Ventures, Ascension Ventures and Super Ventures chip in. 2.1 million USD will let Poplar charge ahead toward its ambition of becoming the world’s top AR creative platform.
Why AR is the new retail super‑hero
- Since the March lockdown, AR engagement jumped 19 % as shoppers and brands crave fresh, immersive ways to interact.
- Poplar’s on‑demand engine puts together certified teams of 3‑D and AR creators to deliver big‑name campaigns – think virtual fit‑rooms, branded filters, product look‑ups and gaming‑style interaction.
- Its community of 1,600+ creators has already produced 120+ projects for Speedo, Universal Music, L’Oréal, Disney, Jack Daniels, Nestlé and more.
Not just a TikTok sidekick
- Poplar is TikTok’s first AR partnership for branded effects.
- Google’s 3‑D advertising format, Swirl, has a trusted partner in Poplar, delivering a recent MG Motors 3‑D ad that outperformed traditional rich‑media by eight times and racked up 4,600 engaged hours.
Mission statement from CEO David Ripert
“With Covid‑19 leading us to digital, brands need immersive interfaces to capture attention. AR is the linchpin; success hinges on the experience quality.”
“We’re building a platform that brings the finest AR creators together so that premium campaigns roll out fast…and without shelling out a fortune.”
“Sixty‑five percent of consumers expect AR in retail, and they’re eleven times more likely to buy when it’s available. Retail is the trendsetter, and we foresee other sectors hopping on board once isolation eases.”
Owning the AR‑plus‑3‑D space
Poplar emerged from the Founders Factory studio, acting as the bridge between brands and platforms like Snapchat, TikToks, Instagram and Facebook, plus mobile browsers such as Chrome and Safari. Its intuitive, cost‑effective workflows can boost brand awareness by up to 70 % and lift conversion rates to an impressive 80 %.
With the new capital, Poplar will roll out internationally and keep the platform affordable for brands of all sizes.
What the data tells us
- Snapchat remains king of AR content – the most popular playground for creators.
- Instagram quickly became the go‑to spot for branded AR experiences.
- Facebook supplies 25 % of all experiences, while app‑based AR contributes 7 %.
- WebAR is growing fast, low‑entry‑barrier fun making up 18 % of all effects created through Poplar’s platform.
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