Globalive XMG

Globalive XMG (GXMG) was a Toronto-based software developer focused on augmented reality applications for both enterprise and consumer markets. The company was structured as a joint venture between Anthony Lacavera's Globalive and XMG Studios, a mobile game developer. This partnership aimed to combine Globalive's telecommunications and business development expertise with XMG's capabilities in creating augmented reality experiences.

The venture was co-founded by Anthony Lacavera, a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and the founder of Globalive and WIND Mobile. Lacavera, a University of Toronto Computer Engineering graduate, has a long history of founding, scaling, and investing in technology and telecom companies since establishing Globalive in 1998. His experience in building companies like WIND Mobile, which was sold for $1.6 billion, shaped the strategic direction and investment focus on disruptive technologies like AR.

Globalive XMG's business centered on developing a leading augmented reality engine to make everyday objects and environments digitally interactive. The company's strategy was to capitalize on the convergence of powerful smartphones, computer vision, and machine learning to create new software solutions. They identified key markets for their technology, including cultural institutions like museums and art galleries, sports entertainment, and industrial applications. For example, an application for a cultural institution could allow a user to experience an object with layered information, custom animations, or even a gamified interaction, with the ultimate goal of driving engagement and ticket sales.

In July 2015, Globalive XMG secured a significant milestone with a $2.2 million seed financing round. This investment was co-led by Globalive Communications and Gibraltar Ventures. However, the company's independent journey was short-lived. In February 2016, Globalive XMG was acquired by Civic Resource Group (CRG), a Los Angeles-based company specializing in digital products for the public sector and the burgeoning smart city market. The acquisition was part of CRG's larger strategy to integrate key mobile, big data, and augmented reality technologies to expand its offerings, particularly its CivicConnect™ and CivicAR™ platforms.

Keywords: augmented reality applications, AR software solutions, mobile augmented reality, enterprise AR, consumer AR, cultural institution technology, sports entertainment technology, Anthony Lacavera, Globalive, XMG Studios, Civic Resource Group acquisition, AR engine development, interactive objects, digital interaction, computer vision applications, venture capital, seed financing, Gibraltar Ventures, smart city technology