Switzerland-based Lighthouse Tech has received a further CHF 150,000 (€160,000) from Venture Kick to bring its innovative smart eyewear to market.
Blind and visually impaired individuals often rely on white canes for navigation. While this tool is effective at detecting obstacles on the ground or at low heights, it does not protect objects above waist level, leading to potential collisions.
Lighthouse Tech has developed smart eyewear combining technology and style to help blind and low-vision people navigate safely.
The eyewear integrates powerful obstacle-detection technology in a fashion eyewear frame that complements the white cane by detecting obstacles above ground level. The device alerts users through gentle haptic vibrations, enhancing safety and mobility when used alongside a cane, thereby improving the overall navigation experience.
The company's growth is fueled by the expertise of Franco Burlando (founder and CEO), Andrea Moroni Stampa (CTO and electronics engineer), and Nathan Deutsch (COO), all veterans in the optical and eyewear industry.
“We, as a team, are deeply grateful to Venture Kick for playing a pivotal role in our startup’s growth and development. The structured program was instrumental in refining our business model, sharpening our go-to-market strategy, and enhancing our pitch to investors,” stated Franco Burlando.
“Additionally, the essential funding provided by Venture Kick had a profound impact on our progress towards market entry and long-term success. Venture Kick truly was a game-changer for Lighthouse Tech!”
Since its launch in 2007, Venture Kick has supported 1,074 Swiss startup projects with CHF 80 million. The initiative of the Kick Foundation is supported by Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Fondation ALCEA, Hauser-Stiftung, André Hoffmann, Hansjörg Wyss, Martin Haefner, Fondation ProTechno, ESA BIC Switzerland, and Swisscom.
Lighthouse Tech will use the funds to strengthen its sales team in preparation for market entry in Q1 2025. Additionally, the startup aims to attend specialised trade shows and visit distribution partners in key target markets (DACH and Italy). Part of the funding will also be allocated to enhancing its social media presence and engaging with the online community of blind individuals or vision impaired.
Lead image: COO Nathan Deutsch, CEO Franco Burlando, and CTO Andrea Moroni Stampa of Lighthouse Tech. Photo: uncredited.
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