Synchronised VR startup Sibro makes history with educational WWI experience

Sibro commissioned production houses Mocha and IronBird, both based in Liverpool, and worked with BBC First World War historian Peter Barton to produce the first round of content, providing 360-degree VR tours of some of the First World War’s most notable historical sites and battlefields.

Sibro managing director and founder Gareth Abbott said: "Sibro was born out of an idea from my battlefield tours company Esprit, where we wanted to offer schools more than just our traditional field trip to the Somme.

"From our development and production team, through to the amazing knowledge and talent of Peter Barton, we have created something which is visually stunning while also delivering a powerful educational tool.

"In addition, the support we received from Mashbo has been hugely important in helping us to create our prototype software and to launch our new business."

Mashbo managing director and Sibro investor Gavin Sherratt said: "It’s been an epic journey working with the Sibro founders and content delivery partners. We have some amazing content that will change the way that history lessons are delivered in the classroom. And we have a unique VR 360-video synchronised content distribution platform where we can put multiple users into a single shared experience which is adaptable to education and group training purposes.

"Interest in Sibro is growing rapidly following a recent appearance on BBC Breakfast and it’s now up to the Sibro team, supported by Mashbo and content producers, to grow the business with continued investment into applications development and content production."

Sibro’s plan is to focus on educational-based experiences initially, while exploring potential opportunities in healthcare and training.