The people behind the experience
At Rilix, we create more than technology — we deliver emotions, adventures, and unforgettable memories through innovation and virtual reality.
Our Story
Rilix was founded in Brazil in July 2014, when two professionals with complementary expertise decided to turn the brand-new world of virtual reality into a real business opportunity. The vision was bold yet simple: allow everyone to feel the thrill of a roller coaster using just a VR headset — sit down, press play, and enjoy the ride.
Within its first months, Rilix made its debut at a trade show in Brazil. The result exceeded expectations: the booth was packed, the audience was fascinated by the experience, and 15 units were sold during the show — a milestone that confirmed the potential of VR entertainment and opened the path for a journey of innovation.
This early success fueled the creation of new VR experiences at record speed and expanded the team. Family entertainment centers, malls, and arcades were the first to embrace the Rilix Coaster, which quickly became one of the most popular attractions in those venues. The product design also evolved — from the prototype, built from a repurposed roller coaster car, to a redesigned 2016 version with stronger, industrial-grade lines.
International expansion
Challenges and resilience
As the company studied international markets, one challenge became clear: the simulators still required operators, which increased costs and limited growth. The solution was daring — to transform the Rilix Coaster into a self-service vending machine.
After years of testing and development, the vending model was officially launched in 2019. It revolutionized operations, reduced costs, and opened the doors to the U.S. and other key markets.
In 2020, the pandemic hit the entertainment industry hard. With in-person attractions paused and investments on hold, Rilix faced its most difficult period — but never lost its core values: resilience and innovation.
Back on track
New products
By 2022, the market was bouncing back, and Rilix seized the moment. The simulator design was updated, operations grew stronger, and new business strategies pushed the company back on track internationally. That same year, the company achieved a major milestone through a partnership with Andamiro and Nickelodeon to launch the Bubble Coaster, a licensed SpongeBob SquarePants VR attraction. The product quickly became a success in the United States and marked a new chapter in Rilix’s story.
Always listening to its clients, recently Rilix expanded its portfolio with new models designed for different business needs: the Duel Coaster, built for large arcades, with a bold design and competitive mode; the Mini Coaster, developed for venues with limited space, and the Portable Coaster, created for events and mobile operations. Together, these models reinforce Rilix’s essence: the ability to adapt to market needs and remain at the forefront of virtual reality entertainment.
Today
From a coworking space in Brazil to teams spread across the Americas, Europe, and Asia — and simulators operating in more than 25 countries — Rilix has grown from a bold idea into a global brand. The Rilix Coaster has already delivered unforgettable VR experiences to millions of people worldwide, and we’re just getting started. Our mission remains the same as on day one: to connect technology, fun, and innovation — and bring immersive entertainment to life.
Executive team
Franco Gonçalves
CEO & Founder
As the founder of Rilix, Franco has led the company from its very first prototype to its global presence as a reference in virtual reality simulators. With a strong background in hardware and a hands-on leadership style, he believes in bold ideas, persistence, and long-term vision. More than building technology, Franco’s mission is to create experiences that connect people and businesses through immersive entertainment. Under his leadership, Rilix has reached strategic markets and is now present in over 25 countries.
Jim Wyatt
President
Wyatt brings over 20 years’ experience in the amusement industry, holding senior management roles at National Entertainment Network, Coinstar, and American Coin Merchandising. His background in operations and customer relations has made him attuned to the needs of operators and distributors. He served as president of the California Entertainment Machine Association for eight years, advocating for the industry. Jim is committed to innovation, teamwork, and delivering value to clients worldwide.
Rafaela Sedlacek
Director of Sales and Marketing
Rafaela has been part of Rilix’s journey since its early years. With a background in game design, she grew through multiple areas of the company before taking the lead in Sales and Marketing. Passionate about innovation, structured processes, and data-driven strategy, Rafa brings together creativity and analytical thinking to drive consistent results and strengthen the brand’s position. Today, she leads a team focused on expanding Rilix’s presence in Brazil, in the U.S. and beyond.
Emerson Borges Ferreira
Chief Technology Officer
Emerson is a computer engineer who turned his childhood passion for technology into a career driven by innovation. At Rilix, he leads a talented development team focused on blending hardware and software to create immersive and meaningful experiences. For Emerson, the challenge of transforming ideas into real, engaging products, like the Rilix Coaster, used by thousands around the world, is what makes the work rewarding. Curious by nature and motivated by purpose, he’s always in pursuit of smart, high-impact solutions.
Tarcisio Nunes Junior
Director of Technical Support & Customer Success
Tarcisio has been with Rilix since day one, contributing across multiple areas of the company with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach. With over 10 years of experience in the amusement industry, he played a vital part in Rilix’s global expansion and in adapting the product to meet the needs of different markets. Today, he leads the Technical Support and Customer Success teams, working to build a service operation that stands out in the industry. His focus is on creating structure, consistency, and high-quality experiences for clients at every touchpoint.
Antonio Goedert Neto
USA Finance & Supply Chain Director
Antonio believes in creating scalable systems that empower innovation. With a passion for building bridges across borders — guided by strategy, purpose, and global reach — he’s driven by the challenge of transforming bold ideas into impactful entertainment experiences.
Fabiano dos Santos
Production Director
With over 20 years in engineering, Fabiano brings solid experience in industrial automation, large-scale production, and process optimization. Before joining Rilix in 2025, he led major projects at multinational companies with a focus on efficiency and sustainable growth. At Rilix, he leads global production operations, driving innovation, reducing waste, and improving performance. Known for his technical expertise and strategic mindset, Fabiano plays a key role in scaling the company’s engineering excellence worldwide.
