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Ctrl V Virtual Reality Arcade Franchise

USA
Minimum Investment

$217,650

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Established

2016

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Franchise Units

15

payments

Minimum Investment

$217,650

payments

Franchise Fee

$40,000

payments

Total Investment Range

$395,200

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Home Based

No

Description

Step into the Future of Entertainment with the Premier Virtual Reality Arcade Franchise

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur or investor in the USA looking for a high-growth, technology-driven business opportunity that is fun, scalable, and recession-resistant? Look no further than Ctrl V, North America’s first and the world’s largest Virtual Reality (VR) arcade franchise. Ctrl V is not just a gaming center; it’s an immersive entertainment and experiential learning venue perfectly positioned at the epicenter of the rapidly expanding VR industry.

We've pioneered the model for commercial VR, transforming a niche technology into a safe, accessible, and awe-inspiring experience for the mass market—from families and birthday parties to corporate team-building events and educational field trips. Our unique value proposition lies in making premium, state-of-the-art VR technology and an exclusive library of content easy and affordable for everyone. With a proven, low-overhead business model and an unparalleled support system, Ctrl V offers franchisees the chance to be a technology pioneer and an entertainment industry leader in their local US market. Franchise with Ctrl V and be the conduit for wonder and excitement in your community, capitalizing on the massive, untapped potential of location-based virtual reality.


Why Invest in this Franchise?

Investing in a Ctrl V VR arcade franchise in the US market offers a compelling blend of fun, technological pioneering, and solid business fundamentals:

  1. First-Mover Advantage & Global Leadership: Ctrl V was North America's first VR arcade and is now the largest chain globally. You benefit from a recognized, mature, and tested brand that has already navigated the complexities of launching and scaling in this emerging industry.

  2. High-Demand, Experiential Entertainment: In the experience economy, consumers are prioritizing unique activities over material goods. Ctrl V provides a one-of-a-kind, social, and captivating experience that appeals to all ages (from 3 to 93) and demographics, securing multiple potential revenue streams (hourly play, parties, corporate bookings, mobile events).

  3. Proprietary Software and Content Relationships: Our proprietary Ctrl Suite software is custom-built to streamline operations, minimize staff dependency, and maximize customer playtime. Furthermore, our exclusive agreements with over 200 game developers secure industry-exclusive, per-minute royalty rates, providing a significant competitive advantage in content costs and variety.

  4. Low Initial Investment & Streamlined Operations: Compared to competitors, Ctrl V's start-up costs are highly competitive. The system is designed for maximum efficiency, requiring minimal staff and no specialized technical experience from the owner/operator. You focus on customer experience; we handle the complex tech backend.

  5. Robust, Unparalleled Support System: From the moment you sign the agreement, you receive comprehensive assistance—from site selection to grand opening and beyond. Our dedicated corporate team includes marketing, service, and qualified software developers, ensuring you have expert guidance every step of the way.


Background

Established Year: 2016 (First location opened May 25, 2016).

  • First Unit Franchised: 2016/2017.

  • Founders: Ryan Brooks (CEO & Co-Founder, focused on ingenuity and technology), Robert Bruski (CEO & Co-Founder, focused on business acumen and finance), and James Elligson (COO & Co-Founder, focused on operations and customer service).

  • Brand Journey & Company History: Founded in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Ctrl V was established to coincide with the release of compelling consumer-grade VR hardware. The founders quickly capitalized on the technology's immersive nature, becoming one of the very first operational VR arcades in North America and pioneering a successful commercial model. What started as a passion project rapidly garnered massive franchise interest, leading to the creation of the franchise system to meet global demand.

  • Ownership: Ctrl V, Inc. (Canadian-based franchisor with a dedicated US expansion focus).

  • Market Presence in USA: Ctrl V is actively expanding its presence across the United States. They are a proud member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and are registered to franchise in most US states (excluding Hawaii and Virginia, subject to change).

  • Industry Category: Virtual Reality Arcade / Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) / Gaming Entertainment.



  • Support Training

    Ctrl V offers a best-in-class, comprehensive training and support system designed to empower franchisees, regardless of prior technology experience:


    Support PhaseDetailed Explanation
    Pre-Launch Support
    Site Selection & Design:
    Assistance with floor plans, ensuring optimal traffic flow, reduced tech interference, and a captivating aesthetic. Includes lease negotiation guidance and construction consultation. Procurement: Access to established, discounted vendor and hardware partnerships, simplifying equipment purchase with no franchisor markup. Deployment: Corporate team travels to your facility to build initial VR stations and conduct on-site practical training with your staff just before opening.

    Initial Training (Academic & Operational)
    Waterloo, Ontario Training:
    An intensive, multi-day training program at the corporate flagship location. Training is divided into classroom sessions (covering business fundamentals, back-office administration, and operational procedures) and practical arcade components (mastering equipment, troubleshooting, and customer service excellence). Follow-up practical training is also provided right before the Grand Opening.

    Ongoing Operational & Technical Support
    24/7 Technical Support:
    Comprehensive on-demand technical support for all issues related to the proprietary software, hardware, and games. Proprietary Ctrl Suite Software: Unlimited use of our custom software, including all future updates, for streamlined customer management and station control. Hardware Support: Access to corporate vendors for discounted consumables, troubleshooting assistance, and exclusive support documents from hardware partners.

    Marketing & Content Support
    Initial Marketing Plan:
    Consultation and recommendations for your grand opening marketing launch. Ad Fund Contribution: Franchisees contribute 1.5% of revenue to a national advertising fund for system-wide brand awareness and "top-of-mind" campaigns. Content Acquisition: Ongoing support for new content, content collection, distribution, and monthly game requests, leveraging the extensive game developer partnerships. Resource Library: Access to an extensive library of marketing assets, custom graphics, and regularly updated support documents.


    Ideal Candidate

    Ctrl V is seeking dynamic, community-focused entrepreneurs and owner-operators who are ready to build a successful entertainment business.

    • Business Background: Entrepreneurial spirit and strong business acumen are paramount. Prior franchising or business ownership experience is preferred, but technological literacy is secondary—the system is designed to be easy to run.

    • Passion & Mindset: Candidates should be passionate about providing exceptional customer service, eager to learn new skills, and excited by emerging technology. They must be systems-oriented, patient, and committed to building a community-centric business.

    • Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum financial requirements to ensure a strong start (see Financial Details).

    • Location Preference: Seeking franchisees for prime territories across the entire United States, with priority in high-traffic, accessible retail locations in areas with a dense population (ideally ~200,000 people per 16 VR stations).


    Financial Detail

    • Total Initial Investment Required: $217,650 – $395,200 (This range includes the Franchise Fee, equipment, build-out costs, working capital, and other essential start-up expenses). Note: Investment can vary based on facility size, location, and foreign exchange rates.

    • Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $50,000 – $150,000

    • Minimum Net Worth Required: $250,000 – $300,000

    • Franchise Fee (One-Time): $40,000 – $60,000 (Covers the right to use the brand, initial training, and territory establishment).

    • Franchise Units (Approximate): 15+ Total Units (Corporate and Franchised, actively expanding).

    • Infrastructure/Build-Out Cost: Included in the Total Investment, covering facility deposits, station costs, general arcade costs, and branding materials.

    • Marketing/Ad Fund Contribution: 1.5% of gross revenue (contributes to the national advertising fund)

    • Working Capital: Estimated $63,000 (included in the Total Investment range).

    • Royalty Fee (Ongoing): 7% of gross revenue (funds ongoing support, software, and content agreements)

    • Expected ROI & Break-Even Time: Financial performance is disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which must be provided to qualified candidates. Potential profitability and break-even timelines are highly dependent on location, effective management, and local market conditions.

    • Potential Revenue Streams:

      • Hourly Play Reservations (Individuals and Groups)

      • Birthday Party Packages

      • Corporate Events & Team Building

      • Educational Field Trips

      • Mobile/Off-Site VR Events

      • Concessions/Merchandise Sales


    Ready to own the future of entertainment? Contact the Ctrl V Franchise Development Team today to request your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and begin your journey as a VR pioneer!



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