Mother has today (28 June) announced an Investment in virtual and augmented reality startup Dream Reality Interactive (DRI), signaling a recognition of the growing role of the technologies in communications.

DRI was founded by Dave Ranyard, who in his previous job as head of Sony London Studio worked on PlayStation’s foray into the world of VR. Based in London’s King’s Cross, his team are currently working on projects such as Hold the World, Factory 42’s new production for Sky that features Sir David Attenborough in VR hologram form.

DRI has also secured funding from Phil Harrison, the former corporate vice president at Microsoft who headed up Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios throughout the 90s and 00s.

Ranyard said: “We are really excited by the space where AR, VR and AI meet and can see amazing opportunities for new levels of immersion and human interaction. Having backing from two successful and insightful investors enables us to accelerate our ambitions and is a huge validation of the talented team we have put together.”

Michael Wall global chief executive of Mother, added: “Mother's investments in startups has always been about finding great people and doing something fresh, creative and ambitious together. With Dave and his team, the creative and technological possibilities that VR and AR offer, we’ve got a whole new canvas to work with.”

No financial details of the investment have been disclosed, however Mother characterised its stake in DRI as a 'significant, minority holding'.