The operation consolidates Infinite Reality as one of the key players in the new generation of immersive experiences and intelligent assistants.
Infinite Reality (iR), a company specializing in immersive technologies, has announced the acquisition of Touchcast, a pioneer in agentic artificial intelligence, for a value of $500 million. The transaction, conducted in cash and stock, places iR’s valuation at $15.5 billion and marks a new chapter in the convergence of artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and digital commerce.
The purchase involves the integration of Touchcast’s powerful Mentorverse system within iR’s product ecosystem, including its iR Studio platform, the iR Enterprise business suite, and Napster, the iconic music service recently acquired by iR.
Mentorverse: A new generation of AI with a human face
Unlike traditional chatbots, Touchcast’s AI enables the creation of virtual mentors with a face, voice, and persistent personality, capable of interacting via video in natural conversations. This technology, developed on Microsoft Azure’s infrastructure and based on OpenAI models, allows for hyper-personalized and scalable customer support, training, sales, or content curation.
AI agents can be easily integrated into websites or 3D immersive experiences, automating tasks previously reserved for large human teams. Touchcast, which holds 27 patents, has been recognized for reducing energy consumption in AI operations by up to 50% and accelerating response times by up to 100 times.
Immediate applications: From music to e-commerce
Infinite Reality plans to apply this technology across all its verticals. In Napster, users will be able to interact with virtual music experts to create playlists, play trivia games, or discover new artists. In iR Studio, creators and brands will have assistants capable of guiding sales, resolving queries, and enhancing conversion in 3D or augmented reality environments. And in iR Enterprise, Touchcast’s agentic AI will allow global companies to provide automated support, training, or brand experiences without compromising quality.
According to John Acunto, CEO of Infinite Reality, “The acquisition of Touchcast is key to leading the transition toward a more conversational, immersive, and personalized web.” Meanwhile, Edo Segal, founder and CEO of Touchcast, emphasizes that “together, we can redefine how people interact with knowledge and brands through AI.”
A step further in an aggressive expansion strategy
This operation adds to the recent $3 billion funding round and the purchase of Napster, positioning Infinite Reality as one of the leaders in the emerging space of immersive entertainment and advanced artificial intelligence.
“We are building a platform that provides businesses and creators with all the necessary tools to succeed in the AI era,” notes Amish Shah, co-founder of iR. “Touchcast adds an essential technological block for that goal.”
With this acquisition, Infinite Reality accelerates its vision of a more human internet, where interaction with artificial intelligence is not textual or impersonal, but visual, contextual, and emotional.
via: Infinite Reality