IrisVR, Inc.

About IrisVR, Inc.

IrisVR, Inc. was a virtual reality software company that provided tools for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. The company was founded in New York City in March 2014 by Shane Scranton and Nate Beatty, who met while studying at Middlebury College. Scranton, with a background in architecture and 3D visualization, and Beatty, a software developer with experience in geospatial data and GPU computing, identified a need for accessible VR tools in the design and construction market. Their vision was to enable professionals to experience and interact with their designs in a true-to-scale virtual environment before construction begins.

The firm operated on a SaaS business model, offering its core product, Prospect, which allowed users to convert 3D design files from programs like Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp into immersive VR experiences with a single click. This served clients such as architects, BIM/VDC teams, and engineers, enabling them to conduct design reviews, collaborate with team members, and present projects to clients. The software was compatible with major VR headsets, including the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. By automating the conversion process, IrisVR eliminated the need for manual work by specialized service firms, placing the power of VR directly into the hands of designers.

The company successfully raised a total of $10.3 million over six funding rounds, including a significant $8 million Series A round in October 2016 led by Emergence Capital. Other notable investors included Valar Ventures, Indicator Ventures, and Pritzker Group Venture Capital. In February 2021, IrisVR's flagship product, Prospect, was acquired by The Wild, another key player in the AEC immersive collaboration space. Subsequently, in March 2022, Autodesk announced its acquisition of The Wild, including the IrisVR technology, to bolster its own XR capabilities. Following the acquisition, Autodesk has begun transitioning users to its new integrated platform, Autodesk Workshop XR, with renewals for Prospect and The Wild ceasing as of September 2025.