November 7, 2024
British DeepTech Startup AllFocal Optics Raises $5.3M to Advance Nanophotonic Lenses and Transform XR Technology
Cambridge, United Kingdom – November 6, 2024 —
AllFocal Optics, specializing in nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus imaging, has secured $5.3 million in seed funding to accelerate its development of advanced lenses for extended reality (XR) applications. The funding round consists of $3.6 million (£2.8m) in equity, led by Speedinvest, with participation from 7percent Ventures, Another.VC, Martlet Capital, and prominent investors such as Mario Götze, Maximilian Odendahl (ex-CEO of Silexica) and Prashant Shah. Innovate UK also contributed $1.7 million in grant funding.
About AllFocal Optics
AllFocal Optics, Founded in 2022 as Lark Optics and rooted in research from Cambridge University, AllFocal Optics specializes in lenses that maintain constant focus, addressing discomfort and eye strain issues associated with augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technology. The lenses’ ability to seamlessly adjust between physical and digital spaces holds immense potential for applications across sectors such as automotive heads-up displays, aerospace helmets, and medical glasses.
Purpose of financing
With the new funding, AllFocal Optics aims to expand its team, doubling its headcount of 10 in the next year as it advances towards a market-ready product. Initial trials are planned with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in early 2025, and the company expects its technology to be adaptable for gaming, healthcare, defense, and beyond.
CEO's insights
Dr. Pawan Shrestha, CEO and founder of AllFocal Optics, added:
“Our goal is to eliminate the barriers to mass adoption of XR technology by addressing discomfort issues associated with virtual images. Our lens technology can seamlessly integrate with any display type, keeping images in constant focus. This innovation will be transformative for applications where visual clarity and comfort are paramount.”
What the investors have to comment
Rick Hao, Speedinvest’s deeptech partner, expressed confidence in AllFocal Optics’s impact, stating:
“AllFocal’s nanophotonic innovations represent a breakthrough in optics, with potential across various industries, from consumer tech to defense.”
Look Ahead
As XR applications continue to expand, AllFocal Optics’s technology could reshape the digital visual landscape, making high-quality immersive experiences more accessible and comfortable. While further funding—estimated between £10-15 million—will be required to scale production, the company is on track to bring its first product to market within two years.
For more information, visit AllFocal on Linkedin