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Brent Bushnell

Executive Chairman, Producer, and Innovator

Brent Bushnell is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and the Chief Executive Officer of a stealth immersive experience startup, as well as the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Two Bit Circus, an experiential entertainment company based in Los Angeles. He has a strong background in electrical engineering and software development, specializing in immersive entertainment, including virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies.

Career Overview

Brent co-founded Two Bit Circus, which focuses on creating immersive, social experiences and is developing a network of micro-amusement parks that feature innovative attractions like free-roaming VR and interactive game shows. The company is also known for its STEAM Carnival, a traveling event designed to inspire children in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on activities and entertainment.14

Prior to his work at Two Bit Circus, Brent was the on-camera inventor for the ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and a founding member of Syyn Labs, where he contributed to creative projects for major brands such as Google and Disney. Notably, he helped design the Rube Goldberg machine for the viral music video "This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go, which has garnered millions of views online.24

Educational Background and Philosophy

Brent is a UCLA-trained engineer and emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and customer feedback in the innovation process. He advocates for using play and spectacle to inspire creativity and learning, particularly in rebranding STEM education to include the arts.14 He also serves as the board president of the Two Bit Circus Foundation, which focuses on deploying STEAM programs for middle and high school students.25

Personal Insights

Brent is part of a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry; he is the son of Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese. This background has influenced his approach to creativity and entrepreneurship, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and fun in entertainment.34

In addition to his professional endeavors, Brent is active in mentoring young entrepreneurs and supports various initiatives, including Clowns Without Borders. He shares insights and updates on his work through social media, particularly on Twitter.12

Highlights

Apr 29 · linkedin

Introducing Two Bit Circus’ Sideshow! 🎉 A popup ARcade & Nightclub in downtown LA’s Arts District

Experience Augmented Reality Cocktails🍸, Electric Unicorn Rides🦄, live music 🎶 & more. Come augment your reality with us!

Open to the public Saturdays 4pm-2am starting 5/18

For private parties, please email [email protected]

Here’s to more fun ahead!

CC: Aidan Wolf, Sebastian Jude, Christopher Ogilvie

Mar 19 · linkedin

Attention Los Angeles entrepreneurs & aspirants!

Two Bit is seeking entrepreneurs to incubate businesses synergistic with ours. 

Things we have imagined (but are not limited to): 1.) Game entrepreneurs.  Board game, video game and arcade game creators please test during our Beta Nights and beyond. Let our Creator Campus amplify your launch  2.) Food entrepreneurs. Use our industrial kitchen for your packaged goods. Delivery brands we’re your ghost kitchen 3.) Hospitality entrepreneurs. Board game cafe upstairs? Coffee window? 4.) Theater entrepreneurs. Episodic murder mystery? Standing immersive theater ballroom nights? 

Reach out to [email protected] and let’s explore!

Aidan Wolf Sebastian Jude

Related Questions

What inspired Brent Bushnell to start Two Bit Circus?
How does Brent Bushnell integrate rapid prototyping into his projects?
What are some of the most innovative projects Brent Bushnell has worked on?
How does Brent Bushnell's background in engineering influence his approach to immersive entertainment?
What is the Two Bit Circus Foundation and how does it contribute to STEAM education?
Brent Bushnell
Brent Bushnell, photo 1
Brent Bushnell, photo 2
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Experience

Executive Chairman & CoFounder at Two Bit Circus (January 2021 - Present)
Executive Producer at Strange Outfit (October 2022 - Present)

Location

Seattle, Washington, United States