Jess Loren on Fundraising Demystified: When Saying No Means Everything

Jess shares one of the boldest decisions of her career—turning down a $20M term sheet while bootstrapping Global Objects, pregnant, and with no co-founder or fallback plan. Why? Because the offer didn’t align with her values.

"Trust your gut. That’s how I find the people I know I can work with and be successful with,” Jess shares in the episode. And that intuition paid off.

Fast forward to today: Jess raised $5M from a mission-aligned partner, and Global Objects is now digitizing the world—including the Vatican—with a 3D data library trusted by Microsoft, NVIDIA, and HP.

This episode is a must-listen for founders navigating fundraising, alignment, and leadership under pressure. Jess brings not just wisdom—but proof that conviction can be your greatest asset.

🎙 Listen to Episode 83: Why Jess Loren Turned Down $20M and Saved Her Company — link in comments.

Here’s to trusting your gut, building with integrity, and reshaping the future of immersive tech.

Sign Up for CG PRO’s AI Creative Development Class Below!

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If you’re exploring AI for filmmaking, games, or content creation but feel lost in the flood of tutorials and apps, CG Pro’s AI Creative Development: Concept to Previz course will help you cut through the noise—and actually build something that works.

Taught by real pros from ILM, Unity, DreamWorks, and MSG Sphere, this hands-on hybrid course combines professional filmmaking fundamentals with cutting-edge AI tools—so you can visualize ideas faster, work smarter, and stand out from the crowd.

You'll work with tools like ComfyUI, Runway, Notion, Miro, Google Video tools, and more—all while developing real projects under the guidance of industry mentors.

Lead Instructor:
Tim Riopelle – Emmy-winning VFX and AI expert with 12+ years across film, VR, and games
Mentors: Andy Cochrane (former MSG Sphere SVP) & Edd Dawson-Taylor (CG Pro co-founder, AI & VFX pioneer)

From the #1 School of Virtual Production, this course is now available for just $1200 pre-sale.

If you use code GLOBALOB_DISC, you’ll get $75 off!
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GO Visits Universal Studios’ Volume Wall

Did you know that Universal Studios has their own Virtual Production LED wall?

Thanks to our friends at Universal Studios, team members from Global Objects had the privilege of stepping behind the scenes at one of Hollywood’s most iconic lots—and into one of its best-kept secrets: the Universal volume wall.

Not many people know this LED stage even exists, but it’s a gem of virtual production—tucked into the backlot and quietly powering the future of filmmaking. From immersive lighting to real-time environments, the possibilities we saw reaffirm the momentum behind virtual sets and high-fidelity 3D spaces.

We're proud to be part of a creative community helping shape the future of production—from capturing physical sets and props to enabling AI-powered environments with GO Vault, GO SAS, and our upcoming GO Marketplace. As our CEO Jess Loren shared in her recent LinkedIn post, these moments of exploration help drive the innovation Global Objects stands for.

Here’s to pushing boundaries, building new realities, and discovering inspiration in every corner of Hollywood.

AI on the Lot Returns May 27-30, 2025 | Culver City

Join AI LA​ for the third annual AI on the Lot from May 27-30th in Culver City. Pre-sale tickets went on sale Monday for AI LA+ Members.

AI on the Lot, the largest dedicated gathering of professionals in the AI film space, brings together over 1,000 artists, startup founders, media execs, developers, and film industry professionals to meet each other and learn about the AI video space.

Get insights about the latest tools & workflows, meet future business partners, and connect with the people most interested in how generative AI will empower the filmmaking and entertainment industry.

Thank you to the core sponsors: Dell, NVIDIA, Moonvalley, Asteria, SideFX, and OTOY. There will be more announcements soon!

If you use code “GO”, you will get $100 off your ticket!

Inside the AI Studio: Roles, Workflows, and Innovation
With the rise of ‘AI Studios’ — many self-funded, some venture-backed — this year the event will unpack what it really means to build one. It will explore the new workflows, roles, and vocabulary defining the creative process from ideation to distribution in the AI age.

🗓 Event Highlights

Tuesday, May 27
🔹 Welcome Party + Startup Showcase (Half Day)

Wednesday, May 28
🔹 AI Studio Bootcamp — Learn the ins and outs of how AI Studios use generative AI to augment their teams across the production pipeline. Includes demos, workshops, Generative AI Labs, Happy Hour (Full Day)

Thursday, May 29
🔹 Main Program — Join over 1,000 attendees for a full-day of thought leadership, panel discussions, AI Battles, filmmaker showcases, Generative AI Labs, founder networking, & DJ sets (Full Day)

Friday, May 30
🔹 Film Screenings (Half Day)

🎟 Ticket Info

AI LA+ Members Pre-Sale All-Access: $200 (opened Monday, April 14 at 12PM PT)
Early Bird All-Access: $250 (opens April 16th)
GA All-Access: $400
VIP All-Access: $1,000

Become an AI LA+ member now to access the future pre-sales!