Media OutReach
New Funding to Accelerate Sandbox VR’s Global Franchise Program Set for Explosive Growth, With 200 Projected Stores in 2027
The company topped 1.4 million tickets sold in 2024. An average Sandbox VR location in the US achieved US$1.7 million in annual revenue.
With a predominant presence in the US and Western Europe, Sandbox VR has grown the number of lifetime franchise operators 3x in 2024 alone, from 8 to 25 total operators. With this momentum, the company plans to operate 200 locations before the end of 2027.
Other notable investors in this round include Abacus Ventures Growth Fund, which has invested over US $1 million, and Hyphen Capital.
Robust Expansion Through Franchise Program
With over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
Sandbox VR’s franchise program launched in 2019 for international markets and opened up for the US territories since April 2024. Franchising has been instrumental in making Sandbox VR the fastest-growing location-based VR startup globally, and this momentum signals continued rapid growth, the company said. Its first franchise opened in Singapore in 2019.
“We are passionate about creating the future of entertainment and giving people the opportunity to step into a whole new reality. After opening corporate-owned locations and seeing millions of players gear up to enter our immersive virtual reality experiences, work together toward a common goal, and create connections while being active and having fun, we were excited to expand our presence further,” said Steve Zhao, Founder and CEO of Sandbox VR.
“We knew franchising was a key component of scaling and that it was critical that we work with the right partners, operators who share our passion and believe in our vision. Today, we are thrilled to be working with esteemed franchise partners across the globe and look forward to collaborating with additional partners as our franchise program continues to flourish.”
Chibo Tang, Managing Partner at Gobi Partners, expressed confidence in Sandbox VR’s trajectory, “As a serial backer of Sandbox VR, we have witnessed the company’s remarkable evolution from pioneering immersive entertainment to becoming a global leader in location-based virtual reality. Their focus on global expansion, franchise scalability, proprietary VR technology, and innovative IP development sets them apart in the industry. We are proud to lead this latest round of funding and continue supporting Sandbox VR in its mission to redefine entertainment and create unparalleled experiences for players worldwide.”
Franchise Partners Remain Key to Success with Growth Opportunity in Asia
Asia remains a key market for Sandbox VR, with its strong corporate presence in Hong Kong and Singapore, and corporate-owned locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai.
Apparel Group, a global fashion and lifestyle conglomerate in the Middle East, partnered with Sandbox VR to bring virtual reality innovation to the region. Apparel Group has over 85 brands and over 2,200 stores across 14 countries. This collaboration will begin with 25 locations in the Middle East.
Sandbox VR’s UK and Ireland franchise partners, VR Entertainment Group, is proof of the strength of the Sandbox VR franchise program. They have launched three UK locations, two in London and one in Birmingham, and plan to open additional locations across the UK and Ireland. In London alone, VR Entertainment Group has seen a 16.8% increase in guests year-to-date and projects their 2024 revenue to top $5 million.
Sandbox VR is working with two franchise partners in Germany, NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH and Royal Casino DGS GmbH. The former signed an agreement to open three locations in 2022. The success of their first locations led NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH to expand their agreement in 2023 to 12 locations across West Germany by mid-2026. Franchise partner Royal Casino DGS GmbH executed an ambitious 12-unit deal to open locations across Northern and Eastern Germany by the end of 2026 after reading an article about Sandbox VR. Their first two locations, in Hamburg and Berlin, opened in 2024. With six locations currently open and many more to come, Germany is Sandbox VR’s largest international market.
What Sandbox VR is offering
Sandbox VR is creating the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and experiences using proprietary, patented technology that combines full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics to provide unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible with home VR or other location-based VR platforms.
As of January 2025, Sandbox VR offers nine exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. They are all developed by in-house AAA gaming studios in Hong Kong and Vancouver, led by game industry veterans and are specifically designed for groups to play as social experiences. Teams of up to six freely roam and explore virtual worlds together while relying on each other to succeed and to experience being the stars of their own action movie.
The list of Sandbox VR immersive entertainment experiences
Rebel Moon: The Descent
– Images available HERE |
The newest Sandbox VR experience and second partnership with Netflix, Rebel Moon: The Descent allows you to enter the thrilling sci-fi franchise that’s taken the world by storm. |
Deadwood PHOBIA
– Images available HERE |
The latest installment of VR’s most iconic zombie series, Deadwood PHOBIA takes players into a derelict medical facility crawling with unprecedented, mind-bending horrors. |
Squid Game Virtuals – Images available HERE | Compete against your crew in several pulse-pounding (yet more approachable, but just as thrilling) mini-games inspired by the #1 Netflix series. Play again and again to experience and master all-new games and challenges. |
Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire – Images available HERE | Journey through a world of fantasy and explore a ruined fortress, an underground river, a haunted tomb and the dragon’s tower as you become Seekers of the Shard. |
Deadwood Valley – Images available HERE | Engage in an adrenaline-pumping thrill-ride through a town overrun by zombies. Your squad could stop the zombie menace forever – or die trying! |
Deadwood Mansion – Images available HERE | Do you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Work with your team to protect Deadwood Mansion from a terrifying horde of undead. |
Curse of Davy Jones – Images available HERE | Battle on the high seas against a variety of supernatural creatures and hunt for the long-lost treasure of Davy Jones. |
Amber Sky 2088 – Images available HERE | Become heroic Androids equipped with futuristic weapons and soar through the clouds on a space elevator while defending Earth from an alien invasion. |
UFL: Unbound Fighting League – Images available HERE | Transform into a futuristic gladiator and compete against your friends in thrilling duels in a breathtaking arena beyond the limits of reality. |
Hashtag: #SandboxVR
https://sandboxvr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandboxvr
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR is the world’s premier destination for premium, location-based virtual reality games. The company has created the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and boasts exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. Now operating in 54 locations and attracting over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
The company has been recognised as one of Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies and is the 129th fastest-growing company in America on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco, California with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over US$60 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, and Craft. Individual investors include Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kevin Durant and Will Smith.
About Gobi Partners
Gobi Partners is an Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages and focuses on emerging and underserved markets.
Founded in 2002, Gobi has raised 21 funds and invested in over 380 startups, with 62 operating in the Circular Economy. Gobi has grown to 15 locations across key markets in Bangkok, Beijing, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tianjin.
As a Participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Gobi Partners is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption principles to ensure long-term value creation and sustainability across its portfolio. The firm launched its third Sustainability Report in June 2024.
For more information about Gobi Partners, please visit https://gobi.vc
Media OutReach
Learn Smart Education launch AI System to Enhance Teaching and Learning Efficiency
Elite, Regular, and Foundation Programs Available – Top Tutors Help Students Reach Their Full Potential
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – The Learn Smart Education (LSE) team, which came together during the pandemic in 2021, started with only a handful of teachers but has persevered through challenges to achieve remarkable success. By 2024, the team has nurtured numerous students who have excelled in the HKDSE, with some achieving top-tier results as second and third place scorers. Recently, LSE announced the launch of its self-developed AI learning system, which adheres to the philosophy of “designing the most effective learning solutions for students.” This innovative system enhances teaching efficiency and accelerates students’ learning progress by leveraging advanced AI technology. It analyzes students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing targeted support for weaker areas, and offers personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs.
LSE is renowned for its highly efficient learning environment, where students can seamlessly engage with teachers in an interactive and enjoyable setting that further inspires their motivation to learn. The team members are all highly experienced educators, and its star tutors in various disciplines are graduates of the world’s top universities. Each tutor specializes in their respective subject and brings over five years of tutoring experience, ensuring a high level of teaching quality.
Students at Learn Smart Education consistently achieve outstanding results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) each year. Over the years, LSE has cultivated multiple second and third place scorers in the HKDSE, solidifying its reputation for excellence.
1 to 1 Personalized Learning with AI-Powered Analysis
Unlike traditional teaching methods, LSE prioritizes individual students’ needs. Its in-house curriculum development team crafts intensive courses, and the advanced AI system analyzes students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized learning plans with targeted support for areas needing improvement. This approach empowers students to identify their strengths while addressing weaknesses effectively, maximizing learning outcomes. The LSE student app features an enrollment system and practice exercises in both Chinese and English. For example, in Classical Chinese literature practice, teachers input passages and translations, selecting difficulty levels. The AI then generates practice questions and suggested answers. After completion, the system uses big data to analyze student performance, comparing it to peers and providing accurate predictive assessments.
LSE offers a diverse range of secondary school courses, covering Chinese, English, Mathematics, and other subjects for students from Forms 1 to 6. Three learning pathways – advanced, regular, and remedial – ensure students start at an appropriate level, gradually building their foundation and improving their learning effectiveness. All teachers are graduates of top universities with extensive teaching experience, providing high-quality instruction. Unlimited Chinese and English essay feedback and unlimited mathematics practice opportunities are included, promoting holistic development and improved learning outcomes.
Free DSE Strategy Workshops and Mock Exams
LSE regularly hosts free one-day DSE strategy workshops and a pre-exam “Register for One Subject, Practice All Subjects Free” campaign, providing additional practice opportunities for students with limited time or resources. Large-scale mock exams help students identify and address weaknesses, preparing them for the DSE examinations and fostering continuous improvement.
Industry Recognition and Future Plans
LSE has received numerous accolades, including the Most Outstanding Classroom Awards and recognition in the Second Mega Rich Family Good Employer Award Program. LSE continuously refines its teaching system, offering increasingly personalized learning solutions tailored to individual student needs. The institution is dedicated to developing strategies to enhance student motivation, encouraging practical application of classroom learning and continuous self-improvement. With the introduction of AI Systems and a series of effective initiatives, LSE aims to provide a superior learning experience, empowering students to overcome academic challenges and build a brighter future.
Hashtag: #LearnSmartEducation #AILearningSystem #AISystem #SecondaryCareer #EnhancementCourses #DSEexam #examtips #DSEprepare #HKTUTOR #Tuitionteacher #parentrelationship #Concentration #Tutor
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Learn Smart Education
Currently operating four campuses in North Point, Prince Edward, and Mong Kok, Learn Smart Education boasts top-tier tutors in each subject. These tutors are graduates of prestigious universities, specializing in their respective fields with over five years of tutoring experience, guaranteeing expertise.
Address︰
North Point Java Road:7/F, 108 Java Road, North Point
North Point King’s Road:2/F, 383 King’s Road, North Point
Prince Edward Building:5/F, Central Commercial Tower, 736 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Mong Kok Building:6/F, Hua Chiao Commercial Centre, 678 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
WhatsApp:852 5950 5987
Tel︰852 3580 8982
Website: https://learnsmart.edu.hk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnSmartEducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnsmarteduhk/
Media OutReach
CN Logistics Newly Launched Air-charter Flight Service Empowers China-Italy Airfreight Connectivity
Ezhou is fast becoming an airfreight hub in China, with a huge cargo catchment area from Shanghai in the east, Chengdu in the west, Xian in the north and Changsha in the south of the country.
Italy has been the major airfreight station of CN Logistics International for many years, with a significant import of garments from China to well-known brands in Italy.
Italy and Europe are the key markets for China. An air service to Milan will have a big cargo catchment area in Europe, both for imports and exports, including France, Switzerland and Germany.
This newly-launched air-charter service will have three flights a week to satisfy the needs of the trade between these two regions. It is a strategic partnership between CN Express and Wuhan Financial Holdings and Hubei International Logistics, two major corporations in Hubei, the centre of China, with a business scope spanning from reefer products, high-tech electronics, general merchandise ( both B2B and B2C ), industrial products, minerals and cereals.
It is the vision of the partnership to expand the co-operation to the U.K., the Iberian, the Middle East and Africa in the coming years.
Mr. Lau Shek Yau, Chairman of CN Logistics, said “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with Wuhan Financial Holdings and Hubei International Logistics to promote an airfreight service between the centre of China and Italy of the European Union. We appreciate the professionalism of the Ezhou airport which is manifested by the fast turnaround of the inaugural flight of a Boeing 767 which completed loading of 60 M/T ( chargeable weight ) of cargoes, refueling and supplies and Customs clearance within 3 hours. The efficiency of the Ezhou airport and the service will be well-liked by the eCommerce operators of China with substantial B2C business in Western Europe. Similar efficiency was achieved at the destination in Malpensa airport in Milan. With the support of the parent company of Cargo Services Group, DP World, in Europe, we will see the two-way trade between China and Italy to take a big stride forward with this new Ezhou – Milan air-corridor to be operated by CN Express. We will start planning for other air-routes with our partners to turn Ezhou into a major air-hub in the country.
Hashtag: #CNLogistics #Logistics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CN Logistics International Holdings Limited
Established in 1991, CN Logistics is a well-established international logistics solutions provider with core business of providing airfreight forwarding services and distribution and logistics services in relation to fashion products and fine wine, primarily focusing on high-end fashion (including luxury and affordable luxury) products. According to the CIC Report, the Company ranked first in the distribution and logistics market for high-end fashion products in both the PRC and Hong Kong in 2019. For more details, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.cnlogistics.com.hk
Media OutReach
World-Renowned Pianist Lang Lang Debuts at Galaxy International Convention Center with the Macao Orchestra for a Night of Romantic Classics
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
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