Imagine being in a hyper-realistic simulation of your job and learning how to cope, improve and develop your skills through this system. Some work systems are using virtual reality as a way to train employees. These simulations could even be used to help people work from home in the future. They are expected to be an upgrade over the current video-conferencing tools available today. 

Strivr is a virtual reality startup that focuses on workplace training. Derek Belch and Jeremy Bailenson founded Strivr in 2014 as part of a research project while attending Stanford. It had started as a virtual reality application to help football players train off the field. 

However, Strivr moved from sports training toward workplace training. Since then, Strivr convinced clients like FedEX, BMW and Walmart that their solution is the best way to train employees. They developed a software that combines interactive 360 videos and computer-generated scenarios. The trainee actively participates in these to gain skills and expertise. This allows companies to benefit with health and safety training, customer service coaching, soft skills enhancement. As well as, improving businesses’ operational efficiency. As a result, the tech can be used numerous times and reduces the need for costly training sessions. Strivr does this by meshing virtual reality technology with learning theory, data science, and spatial design. 

In March 2020, the startup raised $30 million in a series B round of funding led by Georgian Partners. This brought the total sum of funding its raised to $51 million. Strivr has sold over 22,000 VR headsets, which Belch said have registered 1.6 million sessions. 

HTC, Google, and Facebook-owned Oculus are Stivr’s competitors, they are selling or developing VR headsets for the workplace. 

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