Envisics Raises $100 Million in Series C Funding to Advance Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display Technology for Cars

U.K.-based holographics company Envisics secures significant investment to commercialize its innovative in-car technology

Introduction: Envisics, a pioneering holographics company based in the UK, has successfully closed a $100 million Series C funding round. The company specializes in developing augmented reality heads-up display (AR HUD) technology for cars, which projects navigation, safety alerts, and other data onto the inside of a windscreen. With this latest investment, Envisics is poised to further advance its AR HUD technology and bring it to market. Envisics' Funding Journey: Envisics had previously announced the first tranche of $50 million in March, which brought its valuation to $500 million. The recent closing of the Series C round has seen the company attract new investors, including M&G Investments. In the previous round, Envisics secured funding from Hyundai Mobis, InMotion Ventures (the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover), and Stellantis. Partnerships and Commercialization: Envisics' progress towards commercializing its AR HUD technology is gaining momentum. General Motors has confirmed that Envisics' second-generation displays will be available in the electric Cadillac Lyriq. While specific details and timelines were not provided by General Motors, Envisics' founder and CEO, Dr. Jamieson Christmas, stated earlier this year that the HUDs with GM are on track for release in 2021. Envisics is also working with other prominent automakers, including Jaguar Land Rover and potentially Stellantis, Hyundai, and SAIC Motor, given its impressive roster of backers. Expansion Beyond Automakers: Envisics is not limiting its partnerships to automakers alone. The company has also collaborated with Panasonic Automotive Systems, a major automotive supplier under the umbrella of consumer electronics giant Panasonic. This partnership suggests that Envisics' AR HUD technology could be rolled out across a wider range of vehicles at various price points in the future. The Rise of AR HUDs: Automakers are increasingly embracing AR HUDs as a means of delivering important information to drivers without distracting them from the road. Traditional LED display screens placed above a vehicle's center console require drivers to divert their attention away from the road, potentially compromising safety. By projecting relevant data directly onto the windscreen, AR HUDs enable drivers to access crucial information while keeping their eyes on the road. Industry Adoption and Advancements: Envisics' innovative AR HUD technology aligns with the automotive industry's broader push to advance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities. Companies like Tesla, Polestar, and XPeng are actively developing and implementing ADAS technologies. BMW has also showcased its commitment to AR HUDs with the unveiling of two concept cars, Dee and Vision Neue Klasse, both featuring this cutting-edge technology. While BMW has not disclosed its specific AR partner, the company has previously collaborated with Finnish firm Basemark for similar projects. Conclusion: Envisics' successful Series C funding round and partnerships with major automakers and suppliers demonstrate the growing demand and potential for augmented reality heads-up display technology in the automotive industry. With the ability to enhance driver safety and provide seamless access to critical information, AR HUDs are poised to revolutionize the driving experience. As Envisics continues to innovate and collaborate with key industry players, the future of AR HUDs looks promising, ushering in a new era of technology-enabled driving.