Trace, a Columbus, OH-based provider of a platform that empowers creators to build location-based AR spaces, raised $2M in Pre-Seed funding. Private investors in the XR space and scout funds from Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Index Ventures also participated. Founded in 2021 by Greg Tran, Martin Smith, and Sean Couture, Trace is developing a creation platform for contextual augmented reality experiences that brings interactive digital elements to real spaces around the globe. Early customers using the platform for brand activations and training include Fortune 500 institutions such as Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm, Telefónica and Lenovo. Commenting on the news, Greg Tran said: “Trace uses a beginner-friendly approach to creation so that AR deployments that previously took months can happen within just a few moments.