Distance Technologies Secures $11.2M Investment to Enhance Glasses-Free Mixed Reality Solutions for Enterprises

Distance Technologies has secured $11.2 million to enhance its glasses-free mixed reality (MR) applications targeted at the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Based in Helsinki, Finland, Distance Technologies aims to empower users with innovative MR technology and contextual AI. This funding round follows a successful $2.7 million pre-seed raise just three months prior, indicating strong interest in the company's unique technology and business model. The investment was led by GV (Google Ventures), with additional participation from FOV Ventures and Maki.vc.

“We believe that Distance has the potential to revolutionize experiences across various industries and drive significant disruption,” said Roni Hiranand, Principal at GV. “Distance creates an open ecosystem that enables manufacturers and integrators to enhance the fusion of the physical and digital worlds. We are impressed with the rapid development of their technology and are excited to support their deployment in critical sectors.”

Distance Technologies transforms any transparent surface into an immersive, glasses-free window for next-generation mixed reality. Utilizing a computer-generated 3D light field, this technology provides infinite per-pixel depth and a complete field of view, allowing users to experience MR without any headsets or wearable devices.

“Our vision is to make mixed reality accessible across a wide range of industries, including automotive, defense, and aeronautics,” stated Urho Konttori, CEO of Distance Technologies. “Collaborating with GV, who recognizes our potential, is energizing. Their leadership in this investment round endorses our technology, our team, and our mission to integrate this breakthrough technology into everyday experiences.”

With Distance’s patented per-pixel optical depth capability, users can view stunning mixed reality content through any window or windshield, all while maintaining natural visual perception without eye strain or reliance on external devices.

The company first showcased its technology at the Augmented World Expo USA 2024 in June, unveiling a proof-of-concept product that received positive industry feedback. This glasses-free mixed reality solution represents a "Holy Grail" moment, enabling enriched views in any window, windshield, or cockpit with seamlessly integrated computer-generated visual content or alphanumeric information.

The MR content can deliver specific situational analyses and unique information tailored to particular locations or geospatial coordinates, appearing entirely natural and “in-situ.”

Designed for next-generation automotive applications and advanced defense systems, this technology is currently being evaluated by leading automotive OEMs for potential integration into windshields and windows. Tier-1 defense contractors and aviation companies are also exploring Distance's technology for use in commercial and military cockpits, as well as vehicles. Additionally, Distance's systems seamlessly integrate with data from various AI sources in the defense and automotive sectors, translating this information into actionable insights for human operators through a sophisticated human-machine interface.