Gather
Gather, formerly known as Gather Presence, is a San Francisco-based company that offers a virtual platform for work, socialization, and learning in the Metaverse. Launched in May 2020, the company has raised $77 million in funding and operates with a team of 60 employees.
Company Overview
Gather is based in San Francisco, CA and also offers remote work options. The company operates within the consumer and social industries, providing a virtual layer over the physical world. This concept, known as the Metaverse, enables people to work, socialize, and learn in custom, interactable spaces. Since its launch in May 2020, Gather has brought millions of people together through its video chat platform.
History
Gather, initially known as 'Gather Presence,' was launched in May 2020. Since then, it has become a notable player in creating virtual environments for human interaction. The company is a member of the Y-Combinator S19 batch and has raised $77 million in Series A and B funding from investors such as Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures. This has solidified its footprint in the Metaverse space, helping millions connect globally.
Services
Gather offers a video chat platform designed to humanize virtual interactions. It allows users to create custom, interactable spaces utilizing various creation tools. Key features include proximity and visibility for remote teams, natural conversational moments, and tools for both in-the-moment and scheduled team meetings. Integrations with Slack and Google enhance user functionality, while security measures like Single Sign-On (SSO), virtual backgrounds, and background blur ensure privacy and security.
Compliance and Data Processing
Gather employs a Data Processing Agreement effective from November 14, 2023, to comply with GDPR and other data protection laws. The company uses various sub-processors, including Digital Ocean, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, for services such as cloud hosting and data analytics. The security framework includes detailed protocols to maintain user data integrity, making Gather a reliable platform for virtual interaction.
Media Coverage
Gather has been featured in several prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Wired, Bloomberg, Forbes, and The Guardian. These features highlight its innovative approach in the Metaverse space and its impact on creating opportunities for virtual connection globally.