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Merge Labs

Category: AI in Education

A spatial computing company that develops augmented reality (AR) hardware and software designed to make 3D digital content tangible for K-12 STEM education. Merge Labs was founded in 2014. The company is led by Franklin Lyons. Based in San Antonio, USA. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $17.1M. Latest round: Series A, $4.6M, 2020-01, led by SJF Ventures. Key investors include ["SJF Ventures","various private investors"].

Founded
2014
Headquarters
San Antonio, USA
Team size
11-50
Total funding
$17.1M

Value proposition

Provides a hands-on multisensory learning experience by allowing students to 'hold' and interact with virtual 3D objects, improving engagement and retention of complex scientific concepts.

Products and solutions

["Merge Cube (AR hardware tracking peripheral)","Merge EDU Platform (Subscription-based educational software)","Explorer App (Science simulations and virtual dissections)","Object Viewer (Tool for uploading and viewing custom 3D models)","HoloGlobe (Real-time satellite and NASA data visualization)"]

Unique value

Created the 'Merge Cube,' the world’s first low-cost, durable holographic object that utilizes computer vision to turn a physical foam cube into a digital interface.

Target customer

K-12 educational institutions, STEM educators, school districts, and parents/home-schoolers.

Industries served

["Education Technology (EdTech)","Augmented Reality (AR)","Consumer Electronics","STEM Education"]

Technology advantage

Proprietary tracking technology that works with standard mobile device cameras (iOS/Android/Chromebook) without requiring expensive AR headsets, making spatial computing accessible to the mass education market.

How they differentiate

Tactile AR experience using the Merge Cube, which allows students to physically hold and rotate 3D digital objects using a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for expensive, tethered VR headsets.

Main competitors

["zSpace","ClassVR (Avantis Education)","Nearpod"]

Key partnerships

["Microsoft (Integration with Minecraft: Education Edition)","Google (ARCore and Google Classroom integration)","Major Retailers (Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon)","Educational Distributors (CDW-G, Dell, Insight)"]

Notable customers

["Los Angeles Unified School District","Walmart","Best Buy","Microsoft (Integration Partner)"]

Major milestones

["Launched the Merge Cube in 2017 as the first holographic object you can hold.","Successfully pivoted from consumer VR hardware to a subscription-based K-12 STEM platform (Merge EDU).","Partnered with Microsoft to integrate with Minecraft: Education Edition.","Secured Series A funding led by SJF Ventures to scale educational platform adoption."]

Growth metrics

Products used in over 1 million classrooms worldwide; established retail presence in Walmart and Best Buy.

Market positioning

Leading provider of accessible, low-cost AR/VR tools for K-12 STEM education.

Geographic focus

North America, Europe, and Australia.

Patents and IP

Holds multiple patents including US Patent 10,163,261 for 'System and method for providing an augmented reality experience' and design patents for the physical Merge Cube interface.

About Franklin Lyons

Franklin Lyons is a pioneer in the spatial computing and educational technology sectors. He founded Merge Labs in 2014, where he led the development of the Merge Cube, the world’s first holographic object you can hold in your hand. Prior to Merge, he was the Owner and Creative Director of Lyons Den Inc., a creative agency focused on brand development and marketing. His expertise lies in consumer hardware, augmented reality (AR), and scaling educational platforms.

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