With AI (artificial intelligence) dominating headlines, the much humbler tech acronym AR (augmented reality) has become a kind of distant memory. AR is beneficial when it comes to driver-assisted tech, considering heads-up displays.
Envisics, the UK-based company specializing in holographic technology, has secured a hefty $100 million investment in their Series C funding round.
This funding will help accelerate the development of their augmented reality heads-up display (AR HUD) technology. This tech is designed to help drivers interact with critical information directly projected onto their vehicle’s windshield. This could be a game-changer for delivery drivers.
Envisics cruises to $100 million
The initial installment of $50 million, unveiled by Envisics in March 2023, fueled their valuation, revving it to an impressive $500 million.
That round was spearheaded by Hyundai Mobis, with support from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s investment arm, and Stellantis. This latest boost solidifies Envisics’ position as a front-runner in the automotive display tech race.
Now the startup is pushing to bring its AR HUD system to the market. General Motors, an industry titan, has already confirmed its alliance, revealing plans to integrate its second-generation displays into the electric Cadillac Lyriq seamlessly.
“Envisics continues to attract extremely high-quality strategic investors to the company,” said Envisics’ CEO and founder, Dr. Jamieson Christmas in a report.
“We continue to make great progress on developing and delivering dynamic holography as a viable product at scale to the world’s leading automakers. The vote of confidence from M&G Investments, together with our recently expanded group of investors, speaks to the significant growth potential for our technology as part of the transformation set to disrupt next-generation mobility experiences,” he detailed.
Envisic’s heads-up
The startup has also aligned with Panasonic Automotive Systems, a heavyweight in the automotive supply world under the umbrella of Panasonic. This alliance hints at a future where Envisics’ groundbreaking technology could find its way into a diverse range of vehicles.
Innovations like AR HUDs will offer safer driving systems and have major potential in the delivery vehicle space. Traditionally, navigation data and vehicle stats were confined to LED screens perched above the vehicle’s dashboard. However, this often forces drivers to shift their focus from the road ahead, creating potential hazards.
Automakers’ embrace of AR HUDs aligns with their broader ambition to advance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and navigate the uncharted territory of autonomous driving.
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About the author
Marce has contributed tech to various prominent publications since 2018, offering a transparent perspective into the tech industry and its effects on its users. She now spends her time developing insightful content for industry players. You know, when she's not gaming or geeking out about the latest fad.
