SandStorm

SandStorm operates as a marketplace connecting brands with metaverse builders, aiming to facilitate brand entry into virtual worlds. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Tampa, FL. The platform is built on the Polygon and Ethereum blockchains.

The founder and CEO is Steve McGarry, who has a background in influencer marketing and previously co-founded GrowYourBase. In March 2022, SandStorm announced a $2.5 million seed funding round. The company launched the beta version of its platform at SXSW in March 2022. In April 2025, Kissmetrics Holding Inc. acquired the assets of Sandstorm Media Inc., which will form the basis of a new division called Kissmetrics Gaming. Following the acquisition, Steve McGarry stepped down as CEO of Kissmetrics, with former VP of Sales, Evan Sforzo, taking over the role.

SandStorm's business model centers on providing a platform for brands to commission metaverse projects from a community of verified builders. Brands can post project proposals, and builders can bid on them, with project budgets ranging from $1,000 for smaller assets to $50,000 for complete metaverse experiences. The platform serves as an on-ramp for web2 brands entering the web3 space and supports construction in virtual worlds like The Sandbox and Decentraland. In addition to the self-serve marketplace, Sandstorm offers white-glove services to provide a turnkey experience for businesses entering the metaverse. The platform focuses on metaverse-ready assets and experiences, supporting file formats such as VOX, GlTF, and VXM.

Keywords: metaverse marketplace, web3 builders, virtual world construction, brand experiences, NFT marketplace, The Sandbox, Decentraland, Polygon blockchain, Ethereum blockchain, Steve McGarry, metaverse development, virtual real estate, digital assets, play-to-earn, voxel assets, 3D assets, metaverse for brands, creator economy, on-demand builders, virtual headquarters, virtual shopping, Kissmetrics Gaming