Distance Technologies

Distance Technologies Ltd, glasses-free mixed reality technology comapny, has successfully raised $11.2 million in its seed funding round. This comes just three months after the company closed a $2.7 million pre-seed round. The round was led by GV, with additional investments from FOV Ventures and Maki.vc.

Distance Technologies uses a unique approach by transforming transparent surfaces, like windows and windshields, into glasses-free mixed reality displays. Its 3D light field technology blends digital content with the real world, enabling immersive experiences without the need for wearables. This innovation, which avoids eye strain, is considered a breakthrough in the mixed reality industry. In June 2024, Distance debuted its proof-of-concept at the Augmented World Expo USA, where it gained industry recognition. The technology can display digital content on any transparent surface, offering natural, location-specific visuals.

With potential applications across automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, leading manufacturers are already evaluating its use in windshields and cockpit windows. Distance also integrates AI data into actionable insights for operators. The funding is set to be used to accelerate the commercialisation of the company’s technology, with a focus on expanding its use across the automotive and defense sectors.

Commenting on the investment, Roni Hiranand, Principal at GV, said, “We believe that Distance has the potential to revolutionize experiences across a range of verticals and drive disruption in multiple industries. Distance offers an open ecosystem, allowing manufacturers and integrators to supercharge the fusion of the physical and digital worlds in various applications. We've been impressed with how fast the team has moved to develop the technology, and we're thrilled to support them as they look to deploy across these critical sectors.”

Urho Konttori, CEO and co-founder of Distance Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm for the future, stating, “Our vision has always been to bring the power of mixed reality everywhere, whether you can wear a headset or not, making it a transformative and accessible experience across a wide range of industries—ranging across automotive, defense, and aeronautics. It’s so energizing to work with GV that recognizes this potential, not only by investing in our company but by leading their first country investment through Distance. Their decision to lead the round is a profound endorsement of our technology, our team, and our mission to impact billions of lives by seamlessly integrating this breakthrough technology into everyday experiences.”