AllFocal Optics (formerly Lark Optics), a Cambridge-based deeptech startup pioneering nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus images, has secured $5.3 million in funding split into $3.6 million in equity raise and $1.7m in grant funding from Innovate UK grants.
The equity raise was led by Speedinvest (which recently invested in MiLaboratories and ContextSDK) and supported by deeptech and startup experts such as 7PC Ventures (an early investor in Oculus VR), Martlet, Another.VC, Professional football player, and business angel Mario Gotze, Maximilian Odendahl (business angel and former CEO of Silexica), and serial entrepreneur Prashant Shah.
Gears up for first trials with JLR
The raise comes as the company gears up for the first trials of its tech, in a project with car maker Jaguar LandRover (JLR) in early 2025.
In addition to the investment, tech veteran Dr. Ash Salusbury, Microsoft’s Former VP of Technology and the leader of Meta’s AR joined AllFocal Optics’ as chair.
Who is behind the company?
AllFocal Optics is rooted in scientific research and represents the best of British innovation. The Cambridge University spinout’s proprietary technology is built on 10 years of research and development led by Dr. Pawan Shrestha, former Royal Academy of Engineering enterprise fellow. Its co-founders include Dr. Xin Chang and Prof. Daping Chu.
Lenses on par with human vision
AllFocal Optics’ thin nanophotonic lenses allow users to visually access virtual information in the real world without nausea and discomfort typically associated with virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. It marks a significant step in overcoming a critical obstacle to the mass adoption of XR hardware and applications, redefining the XR experience for anyone (even if they wear glasses).
Its optical technology will change people’s relationship with the world around them, paving a smoother path to using digital visuals in everyday life. AllFocal Optics is on track to be the first in the world to deliver ultra-thin lenses that recreate human vision for a better and more comfortable virtual experience.
Use cases
Its advanced nanotech devices can be built into cars’ heads-up displays to put sat-nav directions on windscreens for safer driving. In the defence and aerospace sectors, its solutions enable real-time data to be displayed on helmets or visors, enhancing situational awareness for pilots and soldiers. Doctors will benefit from smart glasses that display vital medical information during procedures, improving precision and care. Consumers can fully immerse in virtual games while interacting seamlessly within physical environments.
The firm anticipates its lenses to be in augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headsets in the next two years.
Dr Pawan Shretha, AllFocal’s founder and CEO said: “Critical to XR’s mass adoption is enabling users to interact with virtual images for as long as they like, without feeling nauseous, and to seamlessly shift focus between physical and virtual environments. Our technology, compatible with LCD, OLED, or any type of display, makes that possible. By projecting a digital image onto a user’s retina, keeps the image in focus regardless of how the eyes adjust to the surrounding world, completely eliminating any discomfort. After more than a decade of research, we’re now ready to take our technology to market, unleashing possibilities across automotive, medical, engineering industries, and more.”
Rick Hao, Speedinvest’s deeptech partner added: “AllFocal has unique technologies that are fundamentally changing the way nanophotonics are designed. Their patented technology is the key enabler for a variety of industries, including smart-glasses, heads-up display, and defence. We are thrilled to support AllFocal Optics as they push the boundaries of visual technology. AllFocal is recreating human vision via its technology – this is critical to the future of any industry.”
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