Cellid Inc., a developer of AR display modules and spatial recognition technology, has secured $13 million (JPY 2 billion) in funding. The investment, led by the Development Bank of Japan Inc., also includes participation from More Management Co., Ltd., a CVC fund jointly established by Kyocera Corporation and Global Brain Corporation, 15th Rock, Inc., and FFG Venture Business Partners Co., Ltd. This round brings Cellid’s total funding to approximately $33 million (JPY 5.2 billion).
The company focuses on developing lightweight waveguide displays and spatial recognition engines for AR glasses. Cellid claims to have created the industry’s largest field-of-view waveguide and the first full-color projection technology using plastic materials.
In November, Cellid introduced its “Reference Design,” a verification model for AR glasses that uses an optical see-through waveguide display. The design aims to resemble regular eyeglasses while reducing weight (approximately 58g) and minimizing eye fatigue compared to traditional head-mounted displays.
With the new funding, Cellid plans to expand its lineup of micro projectors and waveguides, strengthen its mass production capabilities, and accelerate commercialization.
Investor perspectives
Akira Nagai, Senior Vice President of the Development Bank of Japan, highlighted the importance of innovation in AR lenses for the widespread adoption of AR glasses. “Cellid’s waveguide technology and its supply chain partnerships position it to become a standard in the industry.”
More Management Co., Ltd. expressed confidence in Cellid’s potential to commercialize its AR technology with global companies. Kyocera Corporation, through its investment arm KVIF-I, stated that AR waveguides and spatial recognition engines are essential to the next generation of human-computer interactions.
Other investors, including 15th Rock, Inc. and FFG Venture Business Partners, pointed to the growing AR glasses market and Cellid’s potential for scaling its technology globally.
Cellid plans to use the funding to recruit talent in Japan and internationally while advancing its technology and production infrastructure. The company is working toward broader adoption of AR glasses, positioning its waveguide and spatial recognition technology as core components of next-generation wearable devices.
Featured image credit: Cellid
