NatWest has become the latest brand to enter the metaverse with a new virtual event series ‘Portraits of Success’ which aims to challenge the  stereotypes which surround female entrepreneurs.

With the help of Green Rock Media, the bank created an immersive exhibition featuring photos of women business owners. As more and more brands aim to engage authentically with the metaverse, this is the bank's first step in a virtual direction using new technology to engage consumers.

Portraits of Success is a metaverse gallery hosted on Spatial.io that shows 30 portraits of female entrepreneurs from a diverse set of businesses across the UK. In a collaboration between West and Getty Images, the chosen mages showcase female business owners that are realistic and diverse. This is in stark contrast to the usual unimaginative photos of women in business that are often available for use in the media or as stock images.

“We know that the images of women in business used by the media leaves much to be desired. That’s why Getty Images and NatWest’s project to smash stereotypes by exhibiting pictures of women in different industries is so refreshing,” explained Julie Baker, Head of Enterprise at NatWest Group.

The 30 images represent a wider collection of 4000 images that are available through Getty Images to license. They make up part of a collection that address the diversity of businesses female entrepreneurs represent in the UK today.

Guests can explore the space as an avatar and find out details about the female founders, their businesses and how NatWest supports women in business.

NatWest worked with Green Rock that are aiming to push creativity in new tech spaces, carving out an environment for future events such as webinars and talks, fireside chats or other presentations. 

“We chose Green Rock for its understanding of technology and audiences. Presenting the exhibition in an interactive virtual space means we can reach so many more people with the project. We already have exciting plans for how we can further use the virtual NatWest gallery space in the near future," added Baker.

Green Rock worked with developers Plai and Spatial.io to create a unique gallery area. Spatial.io is a leading metaverse gallery experience that allows brands, businesses and creators to show their work in a virtual world. The platform can be accessed via browser, mobile or VR headset and allows visitors to explore the specially designed spaces.

“We chose this route as a strategy because working at the forefront of future storytelling we’re always looking to drive innovation in a meaningful way for clients. It’s great to partner with NatWest as such an ambitious brand that is exploring and understanding the potential of new virtual worlds and metaverse activations,” explained Al Berry, Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation of Green Rock.

As conversations around the metaverse continue, entering the virtual world by creating an authentic experience for consumers maximises on the opportunities the technology holds.