DARABASE URGES COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS IN CANADA TO FUTURE-PROOF THEIR ASSETS BY SAFEGUARDING ‘PROPERTY DIGITAL RIGHTS’

Darabase Canada Unveiled as First Regional Affiliate, with Mike Harris and David Tsubouchi Joining Canadian Advisory Board

Disruptive Technology Increases Portfolio Asset Value through World’s First Property Digital Rights Inventory Platform

TORONTO and LONDON, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, Darabase, is excited to announce the launch of Darabase Canada, its first Regional Affiliate office anywhere in the world, situated in Toronto, Ontario. With global efforts spearheaded out of the United Kingdom, Darabase Canada will play a pivotal role in educating the Canadian market about Property Digital Rights (PDRs), an emerging asset class that allow property owners to protect, manage and monetize how their properties are used in the digital world.

The company also announced that Mike Harris, Senior Business Advisor at Fasken and former Premier of Ontario, and David Tsubouchi, former Ontario Cabinet Minister and Member of OMERS Board of Directors, have agreed to join Darabase Canada’s Advisory Board.

Darabase Canada will also champion local adoption efforts of the darabase.io platform, the world’s first PDR inventory registry. With an estimated 1.4 billion AR-enabled devices already in the hands of consumers globally (Statista), the platform enables property owners to protect and control the extent to which their assets are used as a digital canvas for Augmented Reality (AR) content. It empowers property owners to register their PDRs, give permission for what types of digital content can or cannot be displayed at their locations and paves the way for a new revenue stream through AR advertising.

With property owners already attributing significant asset value to outdoor media inventory, the uniqueness of the darabase.io platform lies in its ability to convert any location-based asset – whether it’s a prominent building, an obscure landmark, or simply a storefront, intersection or road – into a prime space for AR advertising. This transformation occurs seamlessly, irrespective of the property’s shape or context, turning it into a monetizable resource for both businesses and marketers alike.

“We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our first affiliate office in Toronto, marking a significant milestone for us in growing and enhancing our global presence,” said Dominic Collins, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder of Darabase. “Canada’s dynamic business environment, tech-savvy population, and progressive approach to innovation make it an ideal choice for our first regional affiliate, aligning seamlessly with our mission to revolutionize out of home AR advertising.”

“With North America estimated to contribute 37 per cent to the growth of the global AR market, I am ready to embrace this new role with the mission of demonstrating to the industry that augmented reality isn’t just a future concept—it’s a present reality unfolding at scale in Canada,” said Peter Pinfold, Chief Executive Officer, Darabase Canada. “Property Digital Rights play a pivotal role in protecting property owners’ existing assets while simultaneously offering an avenue for new, passive income streams. Darabase is pioneering a transformative journey where real estate converges with augmented reality, unlocking opportunities for immense value creation.”

Late last year, Statista estimated the global digital advertising market to be valued at $680 billion, a growing proportion of which is shifting to immersive AR media. Though entirely disruptive, the technology behind the darabase.io platform emulates the existing regulated and permission-based framework that currently underpins all out of home advertising. This approach ensures a secure, legal, ethical and brand-safe model for immersive AR campaigns to be restricted or delivered effectively in the real world.

Entering the Canadian market via a strategic partnership with GroundBreak Ventures, Darabase Canada is dedicated to aiding property owners in safeguarding and future-proofing their assets. Its core mission involves providing a legally sound and brand-safe framework for AR advertising, delivering an exceptional experience for consumers while fortifying the interests of property owners.

Forward-thinking commercial property owners and brokers interested in learning more about Property Digital Rights are encouraged to book a consultation appointment by completing the intake form on Darabase.com or emailing info@darabase.ca, securing a spot on the Canadian waitlist.Supportive Quotes

Mike Harris, Senior Business Advisor at Fasken and former Premier of Ontario: “The platform that Darabase has created holds a lot of promise for Canadian businesses and the communities they operate in. Property Digital Rights aren’t just an innovative concept for the future, they support the foundations for innovation in the here and now.”
David Tsubouchi, former Ontario Cabinet Minister and Member of OMERS Board of Directors: “This technology addresses a growing void in the modern property market here in Canada and around the globe. Through establishing a legal and ethical framework for AR advertising, it forges a path forward where real estate can converge with digital innovation.”
Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner at RPC: “A permission-based approach is crucial for a robust advertising and marketing industry. Beyond legal risks, big brands avoid the reputational, financial, and other risks associated with guerrilla marketing. In the evolving regulatory landscape of immersive advertising, registering Property Digital Rights allows owners to clearly indicate consent, protecting their properties and opening doors to generating new revenue streams.”
Asif Khan, Founder & Chairman of the Location Based Marketing Association: “Darabase is boldly leading the charge in transforming location based marketing through AR advertising, establishing a cutting-edge framework that champions ethical practices and ensures brand safety in every campaign. This thrilling venture holds tremendous promise, offering an exciting horizon for advertisers and creating unprecedented opportunities for location managers and property owners.”
Dan Mathieson, former Chair of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and former Mayor of Stratford, Ontario: “The Darabase platform is an ingenious new approach that not only opens up a new revenue stream for property owners but also reshapes how asset value is perceived and calculated. Municipalities, both large and small, should take notice. Darabase’s integration of Property Digital Rights into asset valuation marks a significant stride toward value creation in our progressively digital landscape.”
Scott Kaplanis, Managing Partner at GroundBreak Ventures and Darabase Canada’s Executive Chair: “Property Digital Rights stand out as a truly unique and innovative concept, holding the promise to unlock significant value for property owners and municipalities. The platform serves as a gateway, providing advertisers and media companies with the opportunity to craft immersive experiences, utilizing the physical environment as a canvas to engage with potential customers. We believe in the transformative potential of PDRs and are proud to support this groundbreaking initiative as part of the GroundBreak team.”
Andrew Gallifent, Vice President at Kolt Realty: “Darabase is bridging an essential gap in the modern property market. Its platform provides a legal and ethical framework to assist real estate owners and managers to protect their portfolio, navigate the complexities of AR advertising and correctly position their assets in the digital age.”

About Darabase

Founded in 2019, Darabase exists to usher in a permission-based, brand-safe, user-centric, immersive digital era. It has pioneered the world’s first comprehensive global registry, rules engine, and content platform for the management and monetization of Property Digital Rights (PDRs) in the real-world and virtual metaverses. Its unique platform empowers property companies to understand and leverage the inherent value of PDRs associated with their real-world and metaverse assets.

At launch, its platform supports the registration of properties in 38 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

Darabase Limited, is headquartered in the UK and its subsidiary, Darabase Switzerland GmbH, operates the darabase.io platform. In addition, it has an office in Toronto, Canada, as well as operations in North America, Australia and the Middle East.