CED awards $350K to venture-backed Felix & Paul Studios

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By Ted Liu

Felix & Paul Studios, creator of cinematic virtual reality (VR) experiences, has received $350,000 in repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

The funding will enable Felix & Paul Studios to acquire computer equipment to meet its production and post-production needs.

Felix & Paul Studios is backed by Phi Group, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Comcast Ventures, OMERS Ventures and LDV Partners. The company raised US $[mepr-active rule=”374″ ifallowed=”hide”]Subscriber ONLY content: read our research and get insight on this and other deals. We offer monthly or yearly recurring or one-time trial subscriptions. Subscribe today and see what you have been missing! [/mepr-active][mepr-active rule=”374″]6.8 million in Series A from CDPQ, Comcast, LDV and Phi Group in June 2016 and undisclosed amount in Series A add-on from OMERS Ventures and CDPQ in April 2017. Phi Group, CDPQ and founder Paul Raphaël are the three largest shareholders.[/mepr-active]

photo credit: Felix & Paul

News Release

Felix & Paul Studios: expanding to dazzle even more!
From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Government of Canada awards $350,000 in financial assistance to the Montréal business

April 13, 2018 – Montréal, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Innovation and the development of new markets undeniably help stimulate Canada’s economic growth, while ensuring the sustainability of local businesses. In 2017, the Government of Canada adopted a plan to help innovative enterprises perform and market their products internationally.

Through a repayable contribution of $350,000 from the Government of Canada, Felix & Paul Studios, creator of cinematic virtual reality (VR) experiences, will be able to acquire computer equipment to meet its production and post-production needs.

The announcement was made by David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Since its creation, Felix & Paul Studios has been a pioneer in cinematic VR, with the production of content for Oculus Rift headsets, Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream. The company combines technological innovation and creativity to produce unique cinematic VR experiences, as shown in such avant-garde productions as Nomads and Strangers, as well as collaborative works with Jurassic World, Cirque du Soleil and Wild – The Experience or with important persons like former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

At the 2018 edition of New Frontier at the Sundance Film Festival, the company unveiled two new critically acclaimed VR experiences: its Space Explorers series and Isle of Dogs: Behind the Scenes, a VR experience accompanying Wes Anderson’s latest film.

The funding granted through CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program will go toward the acquisition of servers, computers, monitors, specialized software, and production and post-production equipment. Once completed, the project will have created 18 jobs.

Quotes
“I am very pleased about the financial assistance from the Government of Canada, which has chosen to build on the innovation capacity and desire to expand of a business that sets itself apart by its know-how, boldness and innovation. This contribution will help Felix & Paul Studios continue to develop and create highly skilled jobs.”

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“In adopting the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada has implemented an ambitious approach to support innovative Canadian businesses that find new ways of generating value and want to expand to new markets. This is a firm commitment to create sustainable jobs and wealth for the community.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

“Today we are seeing the results of many years of research and development. We are proud to offer the public here and abroad new avant-garde works that define the potential of this new medium. CED’s support is strengthening our growth prospects.”

Stéphane Rituit, Director General, Felix & Paul Studios

Quick facts
CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

For more information on CED’s key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
514-283-7443
dec.media.ced@canada.ca