In this episode, Bob Cooney chats with Maarten Peelen, owner of Zero Latency locations in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and soon, Utrecht. Maarten shares the exciting journey from discovering free-roam VR to opening multiple successful venues.

Key Highlights:

• Starting the VR Adventure (0:20):
  Martin’s first free-roam VR experience in 2019 sparked the dream of opening his own VR arcade, leading to the launch of his first location in Rotterdam.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit and Excitement (1:25):
  Maarten emphasizes the importance of passion and genuine excitement for the product as crucial to entrepreneurial success.
• Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneur (3:04):
  After nine years as an international project manager, Maarten pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions, driven by the exhilaration reminiscent of childhood thrills.
• Business Challenges and Advice (8:59):
  Maarten shares insights on raising capital, stressing the importance of a strong business plan and being realistic about growth expectations.
• Why Zero Latency? (12:03):
  Maarten chose Zero Latency for its exceptional operational simplicity and superior content, essential for efficient and scalable operations.
• Favorite VR Experiences (15:14):
  Maarten fondly recalls his first VR experience with “Zombie Survival.” Bob shares his favorite immersive experience playing “Singularity” alongside Doug Trumbull, legendary special effects director.
• Immersion through Movement (18:55):
  They discuss the importance of physical movement in large-scale VR spaces, enhancing immersion and realism.
• Social Dynamics in VR (27:02):
  Maarten emphasizes the social aspect, detailing how shared VR experiences create lasting bonds among players, even strangers.
• Location and Visibility (29:07):
  Maarten underscores the significance of venue accessibility and nearby attractions to ensure high foot traffic and customer convenience.
• Marketing Insights (45:00):
  Word-of-mouth remains the most effective marketing tool. Martin also highlights innovative strategies, including capturing and sharing in-game photos and videos with customers.
• Influencer Marketing (50:50):
  Authentic influencer content significantly boosts visibility and customer interest. Maarten advises operators to engage organically with influencers.
• Designing the Customer Experience (37:55):
  Maarten designed his venues with visibility and openness in mind, enhancing the customer experience and providing free advertising through visual intrigue.
• Future Plans and Vision (1:05:35):
  Maarten discusses expansion plans, including the upcoming large-scale Utrecht venue, reflecting on the ongoing challenges and opportunities.

Join Bob and Maarten Peelen as they dive deep into the world of VR arcades, entrepreneurial insights, and the immersive power of virtual reality.