Two-year-old Rothenberg Ventures is betting big on virtual reality after seeing the ecosystem forming around its VR investments Matterport (3D scanning), Altspace (VR social network), and Merge (affordable foam headset). Founded by a Stanford and Harvard Business alum Mike Rothenberg, the fund has created the first VR-focused accelerator.

A total of 13 companies have been selected in the initial batch, spanning health, education, gaming and entertainment sectors. Each of the companies on the list will receive a $100,000 investment, three months of office space in San Francisco, mentorship from industry veterans, and access to a broad network of investors, talent, and other VR startups that could be potential partners.

Health industry-wise, two startups have been accepted in the accelerator: Spain-based Psious, and DeepStream VR from Seattle, WA.“We have a belief that VR will disrupt every industry. And it’s global. So we made efforts to find companies in every different industry and that are global,” Rothenberg said.

Health industry-wise, two startups have been accepted in the accelerator: Spain-based Psious, and DeepStream VR from Seattle, WA.

The former developed a platform for mental health practitioners to help patients cure fears using immersion therapy in VR. The service helps people face their fears, from spiders to heights to public speaking.

As for the latter, it makes VR games for pain relief and rehabilitation. DeepStream VR’s technology aids child burn victims by creating a VR “Snow World” they can visit to distract them from pain while having their bandages changed. The same service has potential for everything from childbirth to dentist visits.

“Helping people with their fears and pains are two of the greatest gifts you can give” Rothenberg says. “Social returns matter too, not just financial ones.”

[Via: TechCrunch]