Renowned web3 entertainment company, Imaginary Ones, known for its iconic 'bubble characters' and groundbreaking NFT collections, has recently announced a significant milestone in its journey. Securing an oversubscribed funding round led by Cypher Capital, the company continues to solidify its position in the evolving landscape of immersive entertainment.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how Imaginary Ones attracted top-tier VCs like Cypher Capital, Animoca Brands, K300, and Mapleblock in an oversubscribed funding round. We will also explore their gaming, content, and merchandise ambitions shaping the future of immersive entertainment.

Oversubscribed Funding Round 

The funding round boasts participation from esteemed venture capital firms, including Polygon, Cypher Capital, Animoca Brands, K300, and Mapleblock. This injection of capital fuels Imaginary Ones' ambitious plans to expand its footprint in gaming, content creation, and merchandise offerings within the web3 space. Clement Chia, Co-Founder of Imaginary Ones, encapsulates the company's ethos, stating:

“Imaginary Ones is built on the promise that if you can imagine it, we can build it. Our web3 entertainment roadmap brings together gaming, merchandise, and content to create an Imaginary World."

From NFTs to Web3 Gaming

Imaginary Ones first gained widespread recognition in 2022 with the unprecedented success of its inaugural NFT collection. The limited release of 8,888 fully animated 3D characters on the Ethereum network sold out in a mere four minutes, signaling the company's resonance with digital collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Building upon this momentum, Imaginary Ones ventured into groundbreaking collaborations, notably partnering with international fashion brand Hugo Boss on a 360 metaverse experience. This venture marked a significant step towards integrating real-world brands into the web3 entertainment sphere, with plans for exclusive merchandise and immersive gaming experiences.

"In the same way that our imagination knows no divide between web2 and web3, Imaginary World unites experiences in both the metaverse and in real life, where users play, interact, and build together. And within Q1 this year, we will be rolling out our $BUBBLE coin, which will give users access to the entire entertainment ecosystem within the Imaginary World."

The company's foray into gaming saw the launch of two web3 gaming series, Bubble Rider and Bubble Rangers, featuring collaborations with Hugo Boss Riders and Rangers. With over 6 million plays within three weeks of release, these titles underscore Imaginary Ones' ability to captivate audiences across diverse platforms.

Over 2 Million Downloads

Bubble Rangers is the flagship game of web3 entertainment group Imaginary One. The NFT mobile game hit App Stores late last year, and the team is now revealing the latest growth stats for the game. 

The Singapore-based startup reports that its iOS and Android game has garnered over 2 million installs in its first year, with over 185,000 daily active users as of April 2024 - with an engagement rate of over 7.8 million on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). The startup says that 90% of its users are between the ages of 14 and 40 and 10% of its users are between 40 and 60. 

More About Bubble Rangers?

Bubble Rangers is described as an endless runner game, with family-driven gameplay and simple mechanics that "allows anyone to pick it up and play it". More recently, in collaboration with Samsung Singapore, the company also unveiled new Samsung exclusive maps with fresh characters and perks such as skins, gems, invisibility shields, and more. 

As the company now builds towards a range of games through its ecosystem, it decided to incentivize early adopters by distributing its upcoming $BUBBLE token through an airdrop for players who participate in its flagship Bubble Rangers game. “Including Bubble Rangers, all our games are completely free-to-play, making all the NFT and blockchain-related stuff completely optional,” said Clement Chia in a statement. 

Partnership with Immutable (IMX)

In a strategic move to accelerate its mobile-first gaming approach, Imaginary Ones recently forged a partnership with Immutable, a leading player in blockchain gaming technology. This collaboration aims to broaden the reach of Imaginary Ones' gaming experiences, making them accessible to audiences worldwide.

Expanding beyond gaming and merchandise, Imaginary Ones is now poised to venture into content and film production. Bolstered by its latest funding round and the addition of seasoned advisors from heavyweight streaming content companies, the company aims to carve a niche in the web3 entertainment landscape.

Advisors and Strategic Partnerships

Advisors such as Kuek Yu-Chuang, with extensive experience at Yahoo!, Netflix, and iQIYI, underscore the transformative potential of web3 in the entertainment industry. With strategic partnerships and visionary leadership, Imaginary Ones aims to redefine the boundaries of immersive entertainment.

“Web3 is revolutionizing every sector but its impact on the entertainment industry is profound: it opens up a whole new world of immersive content and sets new rules of engagement for content creation, royalties, and distribution. I am looking forward to bringing the best of streaming content and Web3 together through strategic partnerships to realize the Imaginary World of entertainment,” said Kuek Yu-Chuang, advisor to Imaginary Ones.

Tripple A Web3 Investors 

Backing the company's vision are prominent web3 investors, including Cypher Capital, Animoca Brands, ED3N Ventures, and MH Ventures. Karan Gandhi of Cypher Capital Group expresses excitement about Imaginary Ones' venture into gaming, citing its commitment to excellence and strategic partnerships with industry giants.

"Imaginary Ones has truly caught our attention with their endeavor of building a strong IP with their captivating characters and successful NFT collection. Their future plans and ecosystem strategy, supported by industry giants like Hugo Boss and Samsung speak volumes about their commitment to excellence. We are excited about Imaginary Ones's venture into establishing a robust gaming IP, bringing unique experiences into the Web3 gaming world," said Karan Gandhi.

Road to Mainstream Adoption

Imaginary Ones' success also resonates with Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder at Polygon Ventures, who highlights the company's creation of an extensive ecosystem where individuals can engage, play, and own within the web3 space. With endorsements from industry stalwarts like Nomura Laser Digital CEO Dr. Jez Mohideen, Imaginary Ones is poised for further growth and innovation.

"Ownership will become central to every entertainment experience. Imaginary Ones is creating an extensive ecosystem where individuals can join, play, own, fork, and collaborate with major players like Hugo Boss, Roblox, and Samsung," stated Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder at Polygon Ventures.

As David Lee, Co-Founder of Imaginary Ones, affirms, the company's web3 entertainment ecosystem is not just for crypto natives but aims to captivate audiences worldwide. With its innovative approach and steadfast commitment to immersive experiences, Imaginary Ones continues to shape the future of entertainment in the digital age.

Final Thoughts

Imaginary Ones continues to push the boundaries of web3 entertainment, the company's innovative approach to blending fashion, gaming, and content serves as a testament to the transformative power of blockchain technology.

With its upcoming developments in native cryptocurrency tokens, animated films, and partnerships with industry leaders, Imaginary Ones is poised to shape the future of entertainment in the digital age. To stay updated with the latest developments and offerings from Imaginary Ones, be sure to follow their social media channels such as X and Discord.