Virtual reality

Fortnite creator acquires Korean VR startup

Oct 29, 2020 (Gmt+09:00)

Hyprsense, a facial motion capture software developer, has been acquired by Epic Games, the creator of the global blockbuster Fortnite game, according to the venture capital industry on Oct. 29.

Hyprsense is a Korean startup and is based in Silicon Valley, the hub for global startups, founded by Chief Executive Officer Yu Jihun in 2015. The company utilizes virtual reality and augmented reality technology to create facial motion capture software.

The company's core product is Hyprface, a real-time facial motion capture program that allows users to animate 3D characters in real time using their facial expressions.

Creating 3D character via facial recognition. Courtesy of Hyprsense

Based on the agreement, the key members of Hyprsense including CEO Yu are expected to remain at Epic Games for some time. Details of the deal have yet to be disclosed.

Key investors of Hyprsense include Kakao Ventures, Atinum Partners, KT Investment and Pearl Abyss Capital. Among the investors, Kakao Ventures has participated in all the rounds of funding, from the seed funding in 2015 up to Series A in 2018.

By Jung-hwan Hwang and Joo-wan Kim

jung@hankyung.com

Danbee Lee edited this article.

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