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“India has immense potential to become an AI innovation & adoption hub”: Metaphy Labs’ Varun Sharma
Mumbai: The world is witnessing a revolution with the steady rise of AI, virtual humans, and immersive technologies. Leading this transformative wave is Varun Sharma, a young, dynamic and visionary leader who has driven innovation and entrepreneurship through multiple successful startups and advisory roles.
As co-founder of Metaphy Labs, now acquired by gaming giant Jetsynthesys, he has pioneered the use of proprietary AI to reshape brand-consumer connections by recreating extraordinary immersive experiences through innovative digital immersion and progressive AI solutions. His work extends beyond technology, impacting philanthropy and the Web3 ecosystem, where he collaborates with notable figures and invests in future-forward startups.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Metaphy Labs COO & co-founder Varun Sharma to gain insights on their crafting of hyper-realistic immersions and virtual humans, role of emotional intelligence in the development of AI-driven brand experiences, future of immersive technology and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On your inspiration behind starting Metaphy Labs, and the company’s evolution since its inception
Metaphy Labs was born from a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. We saw the immense potential of AI and immersive experiences to create profound and impactful interactions. Since then, Metaphy Labs has grown from a small team of enthusiasts to a recognised force in the industry. We’ve constantly evolved, expanding our capabilities in AI, virtual humans, and building a strong foundation in enterprise-grade solutions.
On Metaphy Labs setting itself apart in terms of crafting hyper-realistic immersions, virtual humans, and industry simulations
What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of hyper-realism and authenticity. We combine advanced AI algorithms with state-of-the-art rendering techniques to create experiences that are indistinguishable from reality. Our focus on understanding the nuances of human behaviour and interaction allows us to craft virtual humans that are truly lifelike, enabling us to create simulations that are not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging. We help our users to connect beyond their screens.
On Metaphy Labs leveraging AI and progressive technologies to create these immersive experiences, and the impact they have on various industries
AI is the heart of Metaphy Labs. We harness the power of AI to create dynamic, responsive environments that adapt to user input in real-time. These immersive experiences have the potential to revolutionise industries ranging from healthcare and education to retail and manufacturing, allowing organisations to train employees more effectively, engage customers more deeply, and streamline operations with virtual simulations. Additionally, we explore progressive technologies like real-time emotional recognition to personalise and enhance user experiences.
On role that emotional intelligence play in the development of AI-driven brand experiences, and Metaphy Labs integrating this into its solutions
Emotional intelligence is crucial in creating AI-driven brand experiences that resonate with users on a deeper level. At Metaphy Labs, we understand that emotions drive behaviour, so we place a strong emphasis on imbuing our virtual humans and immersive environments with emotional intelligence. By leveraging AI algorithms that can recognize and respond to human emotions, we create experiences that are emotionally compelling, forging stronger connections between brands and their audiences.
This allows our solutions to exhibit genuine empathy, build trust, and leave a lasting impression on users.
On foreseeing the landscape of AI adoption and innovation evolving in India, and the opportunities this presents for Metaphy Labs
India has immense potential to become a hub for AI innovation and adoption, driven by its large pool of talent and growing tech ecosystem as well as government initiatives. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of business and society, there will be increasing demand for cutting-edge solutions that can drive productivity and innovation. Metaphy Labs is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, becoming a leader in the Indian AI landscape by collaborating with forward-thinking organizations in India and beyond, leveraging our expertise to create transformative experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
On the future of immersive technology and their impact on industries beyond gaming and entertainment
The future of immersive tech is incredibly exciting. We’ll see applications far beyond gaming and entertainment. Imagine immersive training simulations for surgeons, personalised learning experiences, or virtual showrooms that redefine e-commerce. Immersive experiences have the power to transform how we work, learn, and interact with the world around us. While we continue to innovate, our recent brand partnerships and campaigns with industry leaders like Flipkart and Mondelēz have been a true testament to the exciting opportunities that await us.
On Metaphy Labs’ upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about
While specifics are confidential, we’re working on some truly groundbreaking projects with the biggest names in the industry. We’re pushing the boundaries of AI to human interaction and exploring the potential of AI-powered product customisation within immersive environments. Moreover, we have also actively been developing on responsible AI with a core belief of making ‘AI for humans’ & ‘AI more Human’.
Applications
With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
