News

AllFocal Optics lands $5.3million for lenses that recreate human vision for the ultimate virtual experience

November 5, 2024

• $5.3Million investment, led by SpeedInvest, will help bring AllFocal’s cutting-edge nanophotonic lens technology to market
• Dr Ash Salusbury, Microsoft’s Former VP of Technology and the leader of Meta’s AR programme, joins as AllFocal Optics’ chair
• AllFocal’s lenses’ seamless integration of virtual and real worlds can be applied to gaming, healthcare, military strategy, and automotive and aerospace navigation.
• AllFocal Optics expects to be in XR headsets, smart glasses and heads-up displays within two years
• First automotive trials to happen in early 2025 with Jaguar LandRover

AllFocal Optics, the deeptech startup pioneering nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus images, has announced fresh $5.3million funding, comprised of a $3.6million (£2.8m) equity raise, led by SpeedInvest, and Innovate UK grants . The new investment, combined with trials with Jaguar Land Rover, the addition of tech veteran Dr Ash Salusbury means AllFocal Optics is on track to be the first in the world to deliver ultra-thin lenses that recreates human vision for a better and more comfortable virtual experience.

AllFocal Optics cutting-edge thin nanophotonic lenses allow users to visually access virtual information in the real world without the 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).

AllFocal’s optical technology will change people’s relationship with the world around them, paving the smoother path to using digital visuals in everyday life. AllFocal’s advanced nanotech devices can be built into cars’ head-up displays to put sat-nav directions on windscreens, doctors will be able to display vital medical information on smart glasses during procedures and consumers will use nausea-free headsets to interact with virtual games in physical settings. The first trials of AllFocal Optics in car settings will take place early next year in partnership with Jaguar LandRover. The firm anticipates its lenses to be in augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headset 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, it 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.”

AllFocal Optics is rooted in scientific research and represents the best of British innovation. The Cambridge University spinout’s proprietary technology is built on ten years of research and development led by Dr Pawan, former Royal Academy of Engineering enterprise fellow. As the company looks to the future, it is pleased to also announce that Dr Ash Salusbury, Microsoft’s Former VP of Technology and the leader of Meta’s AR, joins AllFocal Optics’ as chair.

The $5.3million seed investment is led by renowned early-stage venture capital firm, SpeedInvest, 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.

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.”