Orbital
SeedRaised Since FeaturedThe metaverse for remote work
Audio-first virtual workspace where remote teams communicate through customizable spatial audio galaxies.
About
Orbital was an audio-first virtual workspace designed to make remote team communication feel more natural and spontaneous. Instead of scheduled video calls and endless chat threads, team members moved their avatars through customizable spatial audio environments called 'galaxies' — enabling hallway-style conversations, impromptu brainstorms, and ambient co-working. Features included spatial audio and video calls, screen and document sharing, broadcast screens, live captioning, and interactive collaboration tools. Co-founded in 2020 by Ashley Porciuncula and Tom Hicks in Bristol, UK, Orbital raised a £168K ($207K) seed round from Haatch in June 2021. The company aimed to reduce video call burnout while preserving the serendipitous interactions of in-person offices. As of 2026, the company's website (orbital.chat) appears to be inactive.
DailyDropout Take
Orbital caught our eye during the remote work boom as a creative alternative to Zoom fatigue — spatial audio galaxies that brought back the serendipity of office hallway chats. The concept was compelling, but the virtual office space proved to be a brutally competitive category as teams returned to hybrid work.
Discovery signal: Novel spatial audio approach to remote work, UK-based with Haatch backing, strong Product Hunt launch
What Makes Them Unique
Orbital differentiated through its 'galaxy' metaphor — customizable spatial audio environments that let teams design their own virtual offices with zones for focused work, casual chats, and all-hands meetings, replacing rigid video call schedules with fluid, audio-first presence.
$207K
Total Raised
Appears inactive
Status
Target Markets
Founders
Ashley Porciuncula
Co-Founder
Co-founded Orbital in 2020 to build audio-first virtual workspaces for remote teams.
Tom Hicks
Co-Founder
Co-founded Orbital in 2020, building spatial audio collaboration tools from Bristol, UK.
Funding History
Lead: Haatch