20 Inspiring Leaders to Watch 2023
Business Fortune

Devon Copley, the visionary founder of Avatour, is a trailblazer in immersive technology, bringing over two decades of expertise in online media and virtual reality to the forefront of remote collaboration. As the former Head of Product for Nokia OZO, Devon was instrumental in expanding the OZO VR ecosystem to include live VR broadcasting and immersive delivery. His career also includes co-founding Interocity, an online media consulting firm acquired by Chyron, and serving as VP of Customer Success at Kaltura. With a background in Computer Science and Theater from Yale and further education as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford, Devon’s multidisciplinary approach drives Avatour’s groundbreaking platform.
Avatour, established in 2018 by Devon and his team, represents a leap forward in remote collaboration technology. The platform integrates 360° video with real-time communication, allowing users to transcend physical distances and experience full spatial context. Avatour’s unique blend of proprietary software and accessible hardware enables virtual meetings with up to 20 live viewers, fostering transparency, trust, and productivity. By offering a tangible solution for virtual presence, Avatour not only bridges geographical gaps but also promotes cost-effectiveness and sustainability. This innovative approach redefines remote interactions, making meaningful connections possible from anywhere in the world.
Avatour's Unparalleled 360° Technology and Collaborative Freedom
In the realm of remote collaboration, Avatour stands as a purpose-built platform, defying the limitations of distance to facilitate seamless working together. It is meticulously designed to provide users with the complete context of a site, ensuring that remote collaboration remains as effective as in-person interactions.
At the core of Avatour's capabilities lies its advanced 360° technology. This real-time platform empowers remote collaborators by allowing them to share the comprehensive context of a real-world space. Unlike conventional videoconferencing setups, Avatour introduces a revolutionary element – the freedom to choose a Point of View (POV). In contrast to relying on a camera operator to capture the right perspective, each Avatour user gains independent access to the entire 360° context, providing a more immersive and personalized experience.
Avatour goes beyond the conventional constraints imposed by time, distance, and logistical challenges. With this platform, the possibilities are limitless. Users can extend invitations to up to 20 guests, inviting them to experience a remote location firsthand, regardless of their geographical location. Avatour redefines the dynamics of remote collaboration, offering a level of flexibility and interactivity that transcends traditional boundaries, making it an invaluable tool for businesses, teams, and industries seeking to enhance their collaborative efforts.
Unleashing the Power of 360° Meetings
Enterprises are embracing Avatour as the go-to platform for fostering seamless collaboration. Robert Warren, Senior Environmental Scientist at Black & Veatch, attests to the transformative impact, stating, "We don't have to congregate, we don't have to travel, we don't have to get on a plane...and, it's cheaper!" Avatour requires minimal training for on-site personnel to host successful sessions. With inexpensive, off-the-shelf 360° hardware or a complete Avatour kit, the process is streamlined. Host a session using Avatour's accessible 360° hardware or opt for a complete kit. Utilize the Avatour Host App to send invitations to remote attendees, who can join via a modern web browser or VR headset. Up to 20 guests can join an Avatour session from anywhere globally, featuring high-resolution 4K viewing with video stabilization.
Avatour facilitates a range of remote inspections, including internal quality control, supplier audits, and third-party certifications and consulting. Inspectors can freely choose their perspectives and move within a space as if physically present. Host interactive and immersive remote site tours in real-time or record for later viewing, offering visitors the experience of being present at a location. Avail hands-on training without travel constraints. Invite trainees, employees, or collaborators to experience site-specific training in real-time, irrespective of their geographical location. Avatour stands as purpose-built technology, empowering enterprises across industries to redefine collaboration, inspections, tours, and training in the virtual realm.
Revolutionizing Remote Inspections
Avatour revolutionizes the landscape of remote inspections and audits, providing comprehensive 360° visibility of sites and facilities without the need to leave one's desk. This cutting-edge technology empowers efficiency-driven teams to carry out inspections and audits with confidence, reshaping the way organizations approach site assessments.
Avatour renders traditional travel costs obsolete. Teams can conduct audits without the expenses associated with airfare, lodging, meals, and more. On average, businesses save $990 per person for domestic trips and $2500 per person for international travels. Bid farewell to unnecessary downtime spent on traveling to and from sites. Avatour ensures that teams reclaim valuable hours, making the inspection process more efficient and reducing the overall time investment.
Avatour enables organizations to conduct audits and inspections faster and more frequently, even with limited resources. The platform's efficiency-driven approach optimizes the entire inspection workflow, allowing for increased productivity. Waiting for the next in-person visit is a thing of the past. Avatour's remote inspection technology provides instant access to an interactive 360° environment of locations. This on-demand visibility empowers teams to assess sites promptly, facilitating timely decision-making and action.
Devon Copley | Co-Founder and CEO
An expert on live immersive technology, Devon has more than 20 years of experience in online media and VR. Previously, he was Head of Product for the Nokia OZO VR platform, where he expanded the OZO ecosystem to include live VR broadcast, next-generation immersive delivery, and multi-platform playback. Earlier, Devon co-founded the online media consulting firm Interocity (acquired by Chyron) and was VP of Customer Success at the leading cloud video platform Kaltura. Devon studied Computer Science and Theater at Yale and was a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.