From Academia to Innovation: A Leap of Faith
John Dagdelen was deep into his PhD in Computational Materials Science at the University of California, Berkeley, when an unexpected opportunity changed everything. A research internship at Google Brain introduced him to an entirely new way of thinking. Expecting powerful machines, he was instead given a Chromebook and told, “Everything happens in the browser.”
That realization struck him hard. If complex research and computations could run seamlessly in a browser, why couldn’t entire computers operate on virtual devices? This idea, combined with his background in VR research and gaming, sparked the vision for Fluid.so, a reimagined web browser built for virtual reality.
From an Idea to a Funded Startup
John took this insight and ran with it. He secured venture capital seed funding and launched Fluid, a browser designed for the VR space. Fluid transforms any VR headset into a spatial computer, allowing users to work, stream media, and play games in a shared virtual environment.
With six-figure downloads already, Fluid is gaining traction. Currently, it’s available only on Meta Quest, but discussions with other platforms are ongoing. The product isn’t monetized yet. John’s focus is on scaling and refining the experience first.
The Future of VR and Where Fluid Fits In
The big vision? To make Fluid a default app for VR, just like every new phone comes preloaded with essential apps. As VR headsets become lighter, more affordable, and deeply personal devices, Fluid aims to be at the forefront of that shift.
John compares the current state of VR to computers in the 1970s, early, clunky, but evolving fast. Companies like XReal are already making ultra-lightweight headsets, proving that mass adoption is coming. With 10 million active VR users globally, the space is growing, and Fluid is positioning itself as a core player.
Building the Future: The Roadblocks and Breakthroughs
One of the biggest challenges? The current VR hardware is still heavy and expensive. But advancements in display technology are making giant leaps. John predicts that in the near future, VR could replace traditional TVs altogether, delivering cinema-quality resolution in a personal, immersive format.
There’s also the issue of eye strain. Traditional screens subconsciously reduce our blink rate from 12 times per minute to just 3 and require the viewer to focus on something close by, leading to dryness and discomfort. However, modern VR displays have a longer focal distance can now track eye movement, including blinks. By adjusting images dynamically and even triggering blinking, these devices can actually help to reduce strain. This means that, in time, working in VR could become better for eye strain than using a laptop.
How Fluid is Breaking New Ground
Fluid operates like a Chromebook for VR, allowing users to leverage web services seamlessly. But the real game-changer? Fluid is also working on enabling developers to build apps directly on top of its VR-based operating system.
Beyond work and entertainment, Fluid is tapping into the way we naturally remember things. In VR, users can create multiple rooms and spaces, enhancing memory retention through spatial experiences. This has the potential to revolutionize everything from education to productivity.
Building in Public and Learning from the Community
Unlike traditional tech development, Fluid takes a “dogfooding” approach—they constantly use their own product while building it, allowing them to catch issues and limitations early.
John believes in a radically open approach to innovation. “A guarded approach won’t work,” he explains. “The tech industry thrived in the 70s and 80s because people shared knowledge freely. That’s how big problems get solved.”
This philosophy extends to their user engagement strategy. Fluid has built a thriving Discord community where early users provide feedback, test new features, and help shape the product. They track KPIs, monitor time spent in VR, and adapt Fluid based on real-world usage.
John’s Hard-Earned Startup Lessons
For new entrepreneurs, John’s advice is clear:
- Don’t wait for permission. The best way to build is to start, don’t rely on external validation.
- Raising money doesn’t mean success. Many founders focus on funding rather than creating real value.
- The only way to know if your product works is by testing it in reality. Put it in front of people and iterate.
- If there’s a hard way and an easy way, do the hard work first. Shortcuts won’t get you where you truly want to go.
- Go where the action is. The best startups aren’t built in isolation. Being around other founders and builders accelerates growth.
- Build in public. Share your thoughts, post demos, and offer trials. If you’re not putting yourself out there, no one will find you.
Is Now the Right Time for VR Startups?
John’s answer is pragmatic: “Start small, test an intended use case, and learn. Even if the tech isn’t perfect yet, the insights you gain will be invaluable.”
For companies looking to experiment with VR, he suggests a minimum budget of $100K, with 2-3 developers working for six months to build something meaningful.
Fluid’s Next Steps
John envisions Fluid becoming one of the default apps in VR that everyone installs on their headset, similar to how everyone installs their favorite web browser when setting up a new laptop. With a strong community, constant product iteration, and a clear vision for the future, he sees Fluid playing a crucial role in defining how people work, collaborate, and connect in virtual environments.
“The universe won’t notice you if you don’t put yourself out there,” he says. “We’re doing that every day, and we’re just getting started.”
Want to experience the future of VR browsing? Visit Fluid.so today!