Benjamin O'Brien

Benjamin O'Brien is a prominent figure in the field of wearable technology and motion capture, particularly known for his role as the Co-Founder of StretchSense. Here are some key points about his background and achievements:

Education and Early Career

• Benjamin O'Brien holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Auckland. He was awarded the Vice Chancellor's Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis in 2010.1

Founding and Leadership of StretchSense

• In 2012, O'Brien co-founded StretchSense along with Chief Technology Officer Dr. Todd Gisby and bioengineering Professor Iain Anderson. The company specializes in motion capture gloves for content creation in the gaming, movie, and AR/VR industries.234

Roles at StretchSense

• O'Brien served as the CEO of StretchSense from November 2012 to November 2023, overseeing the company's growth and innovation in motion capture technology.1
• As of November 2023, he transitioned to the role of Co-Founder & VP Partnerships and New Markets, focusing on partnerships and market development.15

Achievements and Awards

• O'Brien has received several prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize in 2013, the NZ Innovators Awards (twice), and the Fronde Hi-Tech Young Achiever Award in 2015.1

Other Involvements

• He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Angel Association New Zealand from July 2022 to June 2023, representing the interests of New Zealand’s angel and early venture investment industry.1

Personal Interests

• Apart from his professional achievements, O'Brien is a father of two and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.1

Company Growth and Expansion

• Under his leadership, StretchSense has expanded globally, with headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, and centres of excellence in Edinburgh, Scotland; Seattle, USA; and other locations. The company has secured significant investments, including a $13.3 million series A funding round, to further its growth into the metaverse and other virtual worlds.234