Two Bit Circus

About Two Bit Circus

Two Bit Circus, founded in 2012 by Brent Bushnell and Eric Gradman, operates in the experiential entertainment sector, blending technology with immersive, social experiences. Bushnell, a UCLA-trained engineer and son of Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, previously appeared as an on-camera inventor for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and was part of the creative collective Syyn Labs, known for the viral OK Go music video "This Too Shall Pass". Gradman is a roboticist, inventor, and former circus performer with a history of creating interactive art and technology products. Their shared frustration with technology's isolating effects led them to create experiences designed to bring people together for social play.

The company's flagship product is the "Micro-Amusement Park," a physical location that combines virtual reality, escape rooms (referred to as "story rooms"), arcade games, and interactive theater. The first park, a 38,000-square-foot facility, opened in Los Angeles' Arts District in 2018, featuring attractions like free-roaming VR, multiplayer games, and a robot bartender. The business model relies on revenue from admission fees, with options for unlimited gameplay, as well as food and beverage sales and private event hosting for corporate clients. Two Bit Circus has also engaged in creating temporary installations for large events and conferences for clients like the NFL and NBA.

A significant milestone was raising $15 million in a Series B funding round in late 2016 to facilitate the construction of its first permanent park. The company has raised a total of $32.2 million over several funding rounds. In addition to its for-profit ventures, the founders established the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education programs to students. This foundation runs initiatives like STEAM Carnivals and provides resources and training for teachers. Recently, the company has faced significant financial challenges, closing its Dallas location in early 2024 and filing for bankruptcy in mid-2024.