In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, technology continues to drive transformative changes. DGG, a deep tech startup based in Darmstadt, Germany, has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of real-time 3D technology. With its flagship product, RapidCompact, DGG aims to empower retailers and product creators with automated and optimized 3D assets for eCommerce and beyond. This comprehensive article delves into DGG’s journey, the significance of RapidCompact, and its impact on the retail industry’s digital transformation.
Unveiling DGG and RapidCompact
Max Limper, Miguel Sousa, Julian-Alexander Neagu, Sebastian Wagner, and Felix Limper founded DGG in 2018, bringing together their collective expertise from more than eight years of research at the esteemed Fraunhofer Institute. Their initial breakthrough came with the introduction of RapidCompact, an innovative technology designed to simplify the creation and optimization of 3D assets.
The Central Challenge in Real-Time 3D Applications
While the hardware and software for 3D display technology have significantly advanced, the process of creating and optimizing 3D content for interactive experiences has remained manual. This bottleneck has hindered the broader adoption of 3D technology within the retail industry. DGG recognized this challenge and set out to address it through RapidCompact.
Automating 3D Content Creation

Photo:
Retail Technology Innovation Hub
The core of DGG’s RapidCompact lies in its ability to automate 3D content creation. By providing a user-friendly API, the technology enables eCommerce clients and platform partners to seamlessly integrate 3D models into their backend infrastructure. Retailers can effortlessly upload 3D models of their products, regardless of size, complexity, or format. This automation empowers merchants to make thousands of 3D models accessible for real-time 3D and XR applications within mere hours.
Scalability and Global Reach

Photo:
ETG Digital
DGG’s RapidCompact has gained widespread recognition for its unparalleled speed and ease of use. As a result, the startup has already garnered several leading global retailers as clients, including Adidas, Crate & Barrel, and Otto Group. Additionally, key eCommerce platform partners, such as Shopify and Adobe, have embraced RapidCompact’s capabilities, leading to the creation of over two million optimized 3D models in just two years.
Facilitating XR Applications
The emergence of extended reality (XR) applications, such as augmented reality (AR), has reshaped the retail landscape. DGG’s technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless integration of XR experiences for retailers. By automating the conversion of “offline” CGI assets to real-time 3D formats, DGG paves the way for XR applications to thrive in the retail industry.
Embracing Innovation for Retail Growth
DGG’s mission extends far beyond providing a cutting-edge technology solution. The company’s vision is to make 3D technology accessible to all retailers and product creators through its API-based approach. This strategic vision aligns with the ongoing digital transformation of the retail industry, where immersive experiences and personalized interactions have become essential for success.
A New Chapter: The €4 Million Funding
In order to advance its goals and broaden its product offerings, DGG recently received €4 million in funding from a round that included RenderedVC, FTTF, 3VC, and business angels Charlie Songhurst and Chris Schagen in addition to current investors. This fresh capital infusion will fuel DGG’s research and development efforts on real-time 3D, AR, and XR applications, paving the way for further advancements in the field.
The Path Forward
As DGG continues its journey, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of real-time 3D technology. The company’s dedication to revolutionizing retail through automation and optimization sets the stage for a future where immersive experiences and interactive product showcases become the norm. By driving innovation, DGG plays an integral role in shaping the retail landscape of tomorrow.
