VIRTUAL INSANITY: Mursion, a San Francisco-based provider of virtual reality simulations for workplace training, has closed an $8 million Series A round led by New Markets Venture Partners. Other investors include the Schusterman Family Investment Office, Zoma Capital, New Schools Venture Fund, Propel Capital, Figure 8 Investments and Strada Education Network.
Companies like LinkedIn, Coca-Cola and Best Western have used the simulations so that employees can practice difficult conversations with a Mursion avatar, according to a statement Monday. The program is designed to help teach soft skills to employees in management, sales, customer service and other business roles. The company did not say what it plans to do with the new investment.