With the virtual reality (VR) market still developing, a flood of new and creative startups is changing the way companies train workers, connect with customers, and see data. The VR market is projected to reach more than $18 billion by the end of 2025, according to Statista, with enterprise applications driving much of that growth.
Business leaders hoping to remain competitive in the digital-first world of today need to keep a close watch on VR pioneers that extend beyond entertainment to provide practical business solutions in training, remote work, healthcare, real estate, retail, and data visualization.
Below are the leading VR startups to watch in 2025—those advancing beyond what’s currently possible and providing tangible ROI to businesses across industries.
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1. InsiteVR – VR Meetings for Construction & Architecture
InsiteVR allows construction, engineering, and architecture teams to work together in virtual reality 3D spaces. Instead of using 2D drawings or ordinary Zoom meetings, stakeholders can collaboratively walk through building models via VR headsets.
Key features:
- Revit and BIM 360 integration
- Hands-free voice comments
- Real-time VR collaboration
Why it matters: InsiteVR is transforming project reviews by reducing miscommunications and allowing quick decision-making among geographically dispersed teams.
2. Strivr – Enterprise VR Training Platform
Strivr is a leader in immersive learning, assisting major corporations such as Walmart, Bank of America, and Verizon in training employees with realistic, repeatable VR simulations.
Key applications:
- Safety and operations training
- Customer service simulations
- Soft skills development
Why it’s important: With up to 75% higher retention rates compared to conventional learning techniques, Strivr is a must-see for HR leaders looking to scale effective training programs.
3. Virti – Soft Skills & Medical Training in VR
Virti uses AI and VR to train professionals in high-stress situations—everything from healthcare to leadership training.
Highlights:
- Emotional intelligence development
- Soft skill simulations remotely
- Real-life patient simulations for medical personnel
Why it matters: Particularly important in healthcare and professional services, Virti provides quantifiable improvements in confidence and stress performance.
4. Room – The Virtual Office, Reimagined
Room is leveraging hybrid work growth to build immersive virtual office spaces where teams can meet in real-time.
Capabilities:
- Spatial sound for authentic conversations
- 3D virtual offices based on actual offices
- Seamless integration with current collaboration tools
Why it’s important: Room eliminates Zoom fatigue and increases participation in remote meetings—perfect for globally dispersed organizations.
5. Emperia – Virtual Showrooms for Luxury Retail
Emperia builds virtual flagship stores and immersive experiences for luxury brands such as Dior and Harrods.
What they do:
- 360-degree store environments
- Real-time user analytics
- Seamless eCommerce integrations
Why it matters: For luxury retail brands, Emperia closes the digital-physical gap, enabling businesses to deliver bespoke experiences online.
6. YUR – VR Fitness Analytics for Wellness-Focused Workplaces
YUR (Why You Are) is creating a platform that combines VR gaming and wellness, presenting businesses with opportunities to encourage employee health through interactive virtual exercise.
Key features:
- Live fitness tracking
- Gamification and leaderboards
- Integration with VR games and platforms
Why it matters: As wellbeing tops the agenda in corporate culture, YUR presents an innovative solution that combines health, fun, and engagement.
7. VRAI – Data-Driven VR for High-Stakes Training
Based in Ireland, VRAI focuses on simulation-based training for defense, aviation, and emergency response. Their platform collects user performance data to improve training efficiency.
Notable achievements:
- Contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence
- Integration of machine learning for real-time feedback
Why it matters: For industries where human error can be catastrophic, VRAI’s approach to data-rich, immersive training is essential.
The Business Case for Watching VR Startups
These startups aren’t creating immersive worlds only—they’re tackling concrete business challenges. From enhancing employee training to redesigning customer experiences, VR provides concrete ROI when it comes to engagement, efficiency, and differentiation.
As a business leader, it’s the right time to investigate how these solutions could be incorporated into your digital transformation strategy or future innovation roadmap. Investing in or collaborating with these early adopters may provide your organization with a considerable competitive edge.
