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Infinite Reality Acquires Napster In $207 Million Deal
The acquisition aims to transform Napster into an interactive music platform with virtual events, AI tools, and more.
Digital experience specialist Infinite Reality has officially announced its acquisition of Napster for $207 million. The deal is set to transform the iconic music service into a next-generation platform that goes beyond streaming, integrating social engagement and interactive audience experiences.
Napster, one of the longest-running digital music services, has paid out over $1 billion in royalties to musicians and songwriters over the years, and currently boasts a library of more than 110 million high-fidelity tracks. Now, under Infinite Reality’s ownership, the service is poised for a major evolution.
The plan is to reshape Napster into a more interactive and socially driven music platform. Infinite Reality intends to leverage its expertise in extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and esports to create a space where artists can foster deeper connections with their fans. This initiative will integrate features like virtual concerts, social listening events, and gamified experiences to enhance engagement.
Some key elements of this transformation include:
- 3D Virtual Spaces: Artists will be able to create their own branded virtual environments where fans can attend exclusive events, concerts, and listening parties.
- E-Commerce Integration: The platform will enable the sale of physical and digital merchandise, event tickets, and exclusive content.
- AI-Powered Tools: Advanced AI-driven customer service and analytics will help artists better understand and interact with their audience.
- Esports & Entertainment Crossovers: Leveraging Infinite Reality’s audience network, which includes the Drone Racing League (DRL) and major esports organizations, Napster aims to tap into gaming and digital entertainment communities.
- Enhanced Monetization For Artists: New sponsorship and advertising opportunities will help artists unlock additional revenue streams.
“By acquiring Napster, we’re paving a path to a brighter future for artists, fans, and the music industry at large,” said John Acunto, CEO of Infinite Reality. “The artist-fan relationship is evolving, and we want to provide tools that allow for deeper connections and new revenue opportunities”.
Also Read: Best Music Streaming Services In The Middle East
Napster’s current CEO, Jon Vlassopulos, will stay on in his role while also expanding his leadership position at Infinite Reality. Since taking the helm in 2022, Vlassopulos has spearheaded Napster’s transformation into an innovative digital platform, drawing from his experience at Roblox, where he helped bring immersive music experiences to over 100 million users.
Reflecting on Napster’s history, Vlassopulos remarked, “Napster revolutionized music in the ’90s, and with Infinite Reality, we’re ready to do it again. Music streaming has remained largely unchanged, but we’re entering an immersive era where fans want more than just passive listening. Imagine stepping into a virtual venue, interacting with your favorite artist, and purchasing exclusive merchandise — all in one place. This is the next evolution of music engagement”.
News
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.
Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.
The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.
The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.
Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.
The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.
Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.
Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025
CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.
The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.
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Infinite Reality Acquires Napster In $207 Million Deal
