Virtua

Virtua operates as a gamified metaverse platform, providing immersive social, gaming, and digital collectible experiences through Web3 and blockchain technologies. The company was founded in 2017, originally as Terra Virtua, by CEO Jawad Ashraf and Chairman Gary Bracey. The rebranding to Virtua occurred in June 2022 to align with its expanding vision.

The founders bring a complementary blend of expertise to the venture. Jawad Ashraf has a three-decade career as a technology-focused entrepreneur, specializing in emerging technologies and holding leadership roles at companies like The ENTERTAINER, where he led a technical transformation resulting in a significant exit. His journey reflects a consistent focus on future-oriented technologies, moving from web-based to mobile and then to VR and blockchain. Gary Bracey is a 35-year veteran of the video game industry, with a BAFTA nomination and experience as the Head of Development at Ocean Software and founder of Digimask, an early VR development company. This combined experience in technology and entertainment shapes the company's strategy of merging gaming with digital ownership.

Virtua’s business model centers on creating an interactive digital ecosystem accessible via web, mobile, and VR/AR. The platform functions as a comprehensive hub for crypto gaming, featuring a curated marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), virtual environments, and exclusive brand partnerships. Revenue is generated through the sale of digital assets, such as virtual land plots on its metaverse planets like Virtua Prime and Cardano Island, and transaction fees on its NFT marketplace. The company has established partnerships with major brands like Legendary Entertainment (for properties such as "Godzilla vs. Kong"), Paramount Pictures, Williams Racing, and Kevin Hart to create and sell exclusive digital collectibles, enhancing fan engagement. The platform's native utility token, TVK, is used for purchasing assets and can be staked for benefits within the 'Virtua Prestige Club'. Initially launched on Ethereum, Virtua migrated to the Polygon layer-2 solution to reduce transaction costs and plans to launch its own Layer 1 blockchain.

Keywords: metaverse, digital collectibles, NFT marketplace, Web3 gaming, blockchain technology, virtual reality, augmented reality, Jawad Ashraf, Gary Bracey, TVK token, virtual land, player-owned economy, crypto gaming, brand partnerships, immersive experiences, digital ownership, Polygon blockchain, Vanar, Virtua Prime, social gaming