WaveOptics: Difference between revisions
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{{Company Infobox | {{Company Infobox | ||
|image= <!-- It's recommended to upload the company logo file to the wiki and link it here --> | |image= <!-- It's recommended to upload the company logo file to the wiki and link it here --> | ||
|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name=" | |Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="About2023"/> <!-- Changed from snap_subsid --> | ||
|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name=" | |Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="industry2"/><ref name="industry3"/><ref name="industry4"/> | ||
|Founded= {{Start date|2014}} <ref name=" | |Founded= {{Start date|2014}} <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/><ref name="founded_2014_3"/><ref name="founded_2014_4"/> (Development work began earlier, possibly 2012/2013 <ref name="octopus_2012"/>) | ||
|Founder= [[Sumanta Talukdar]], [[David Grey]], [[Salim Valera]] <ref name=" | |Founder= [[Sumanta Talukdar]], [[David Grey]], [[Salim Valera]] <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/> <!-- Removed founders3 ref --> | ||
|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] <ref name="hq1"/><ref name="hq2"/> | |Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] <ref name="hq1"/><ref name="hq2"/> | ||
|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/><ref name="ceo2"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name=" | |Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/><ref name="ceo2"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/> | ||
|Products= [[Diffraction grating|Diffractive]] [[Waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] (Katana, Vulcan, Odin), [[Optical engine]]s (Merlin, Titan) for [[Augmented Reality|AR]] [[Smartglasses|smartglasses]] and headsets <ref name=" | |Products= [[Diffraction grating|Diffractive]] [[Waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] (Katana, Vulcan, Odin), [[Optical engine]]s (Merlin, Titan) for [[Augmented Reality|AR]] [[Smartglasses|smartglasses]] and headsets <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="products2"/><ref name="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (e.g., Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/><ref name="loki_projector"/> | ||
|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/> | |Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/> | ||
|Website= {{URL|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <ref name="website_official"/ | |Website= {{URL|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <ref name="website_official"/> | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{see also|Companies}} | {{see also|Companies}} | ||
'''WaveOptics Limited''' is a British [[technology company]] specializing in the design and development of [[diffraction grating|diffractive]] [[waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] and [[optical engine]]s for [[Augmented Reality]] ([[AR]]) [[smartglasses]] and headsets. <ref name=" | '''WaveOptics Limited''' is a British [[technology company]] specializing in the design and development of [[diffraction grating|diffractive]] [[waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] and [[optical engine]]s for [[Augmented Reality]] ([[AR]]) [[smartglasses]] and headsets. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="intro2"/> Founded in 2014 and headquartered in [[Oxfordshire]], UK, the company developed key optical components intended to enable lightweight, high-performance, and mass-market AR wearables. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/><ref name="hq1"/><ref name="intro3"/> WaveOptics was acquired by [[Snap Inc.]] in May 2021 for over $500 million, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary and the primary supplier of displays for [[Spectacles (hardware)|Snap Spectacles]]. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> WaveOptics operates as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Snap while continuing to serve other [[Original equipment manufacturer|original-equipment manufacturers]] (OEMs) with its patented waveguide technology.<ref name="Reuters2021"/><ref name="About2023"/> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
=== Founding and Early Development (2014–2017) === | === Founding and Early Development (2014–2017) === | ||
WaveOptics was founded in 2014 by Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, and Salim Valera, who shared a background developing [[Head-up display|head-up displays]] ([[HUD]]) and [[Helmet-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] ([[HMD]]) in the [[defence industry]] at [[BAE Systems]]. <ref name=" | WaveOptics was founded in 2014 by Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, and Salim Valera, who shared a background developing [[Head-up display|head-up displays]] ([[HUD]]) and [[Helmet-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] ([[HMD]]) in the [[defence industry]] at [[BAE Systems]]. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="founders_bae"/> They conceived a novel waveguide approach and filed their first patent for [[Exit pupil expansion]] (EPE) technology the same year. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> Some sources suggest initial development work started as early as 2012 or 2013. <ref name="octopus_2012"/> | ||
The company secured its first funding round in December 2015. <ref name="funding_rounds"/> In 2016, WaveOptics was a finalist at the [[Pitch@Palace]] event attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. <ref name=" | The company secured its first funding round in December 2015. <ref name="funding_rounds"/> In 2016, WaveOptics was a finalist at the [[Pitch@Palace]] event attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. <ref name="About2023"/> <!-- Changed from pitch_palace --> | ||
=== Series Funding and Growth (2017–2020) === | === Series Funding and Growth (2017–2020) === | ||
In July 2017, WaveOptics raised $16 million (£12 million) in a Series B funding round involving investors such as [[Octopus Ventures]], [[IP Group]], Hostplus Touchstone (later Touchstone Innovations/Imperial Innovations), and [[Robert Bosch Venture Capital]] (RBVC), joined by new investor Gobi Partners. <ref name=" | In July 2017, WaveOptics raised $16 million (£12 million) in a Series B funding round involving investors such as [[Octopus Ventures]], [[IP Group]], Hostplus Touchstone (later Touchstone Innovations/Imperial Innovations), and [[Robert Bosch Venture Capital]] (RBVC), joined by new investor Gobi Partners. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="funding_investors"/> Later that year, David Hayes, formerly of [[DAQRI]] and 1066 Labs, was appointed as the new [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] to scale the business for mass manufacture. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="ceo1"/> | ||
The company continued to raise capital, closing a Series C round totalling $39 million (£30 million) by September 2019. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/> This round included existing investors and new backers like [[Goertek]], a key manufacturing partner, and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_goertek"/> The funding was aimed at scaling up operations globally, particularly in [[Asia]] and the [[United States|US]], and establishing high-volume manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand from OEMs and [[Original design manufacturer|ODMs]]. <ref name="series_c_scale"/><ref name="funding_scale"/> WaveOptics opened offices in [[Los Angeles]] and [[Taipei]] and planned a new office in [[Beijing]]. <ref name="offices"/> | The company continued to raise capital, closing a Series C round totalling $39 million (£30 million) by September 2019. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/> This round included existing investors and new backers like [[Goertek]], a key manufacturing partner, and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_goertek"/> The funding was aimed at scaling up operations globally, particularly in [[Asia]] and the [[United States|US]], and establishing high-volume manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand from OEMs and [[Original design manufacturer|ODMs]]. <ref name="series_c_scale"/><ref name="funding_scale"/> WaveOptics opened offices in [[Los Angeles]] and [[Taipei]] and planned a new office in [[Beijing]]. <ref name="offices"/> | ||
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== Technology == | == Technology == | ||
WaveOptics specializes in diffractive waveguides, a key optical component for transferring a projected image into the user's eye in an AR display system. <ref name=" | WaveOptics specializes in diffractive waveguides, a key optical component for transferring a projected image into the user's eye in an AR display system. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="tech_how1"/> Their technology employs volume holographic gratings fabricated via [[nanoimprint lithography]] and aims to produce AR displays with a large [[Eye box|eye-box]] (viewing window), wide [[Field of view|field of view]] (FOV), high optical efficiency, low chromatic dispersion, and full-colour, crisp images suitable for mass manufacture in slim eyewear form factors. <ref name="tech_how2"/><ref name="About2023"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> | ||
Key aspects of their technology included: | Key aspects of their technology included: | ||
*'''Diffractive Waveguides:''' Utilized [[nanotechnology|nanostructures]] patterned onto the surface of a glass or polymer waveguide to diffract light. <ref name="tech_diffractive1"/><ref name="tech_diffractive2"/> | *'''Diffractive Waveguides:''' Utilized [[nanotechnology|nanostructures]] patterned onto the surface of a glass or polymer waveguide to diffract light. <ref name="tech_diffractive1"/><ref name="tech_diffractive2"/> | ||
*'''Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE):''' Employed patented techniques for expanding the exit pupil, allowing for a larger viewing area and accommodating variations in user [[Interpupillary distance|interpupillary distance]] and headset positioning. <ref name=" | *'''Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE):''' Employed patented techniques for expanding the exit pupil, allowing for a larger viewing area and accommodating variations in user [[Interpupillary distance|interpupillary distance]] and headset positioning. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> WaveOptics often highlighted its use of a two-dimensional EPE approach. <ref name="tech_2d_epe"/> | ||
*'''Grating Design:''' Some patented designs utilize a three-grating structure, while other implementations reportedly used only two main diffraction regions (an input grating and a 2D output grating structure), potentially simplifying the design compared to some rival approaches. <ref name="Patent2019"/><ref name="tech_two_grating1"/><ref name="tech_two_grating2"/> | *'''Grating Design:''' Some patented designs utilize a three-grating structure, while other implementations reportedly used only two main diffraction regions (an input grating and a 2D output grating structure), potentially simplifying the design compared to some rival approaches. <ref name="Patent2019"/><ref name="tech_two_grating1"/><ref name="tech_two_grating2"/> | ||
*'''Materials Partnership:''' Collaborated with major glass manufacturers like [[Corning Inc.]] and [[Schott AG]] to source ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers necessary for their waveguides. <ref name="tech_materials1"/><ref name="tech_materials2"/> | *'''Materials Partnership:''' Collaborated with major glass manufacturers like [[Corning Inc.]] and [[Schott AG]] to source ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers necessary for their waveguides. <ref name="tech_materials1"/><ref name="tech_materials2"/> | ||
*'''Projector Integration:''' Designed optical engines comprising both the waveguide and a light projector, supporting various [[microdisplay]] projector types like [[Digital Micromirror Device|DMD]], [[Liquid crystal on silicon|LCoS]], and [[MicroLED]]. <ref name=" | *'''Projector Integration:''' Designed optical engines comprising both the waveguide and a light projector, supporting various [[microdisplay]] projector types like [[Digital Micromirror Device|DMD]], [[Liquid crystal on silicon|LCoS]], and [[MicroLED]]. <ref name="About2023"/> | ||
== Products == | == Products == | ||
WaveOptics developed and offered optical engines (combining a waveguide with a compatible projector) and standalone waveguide components. <ref name=" | WaveOptics developed and offered optical engines (combining a waveguide with a compatible projector) and standalone waveguide components. <ref name="About2023"/> Their key waveguide platforms include: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
! Model !! Plates !! FoV (diagonal) !! Thickness !! Weight !! Launch year !! Primary Use Case | ! Model !! Plates !! FoV (diagonal) !! Thickness !! Weight !! Launch year !! Primary Use Case | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Katana''' <ref name="Katana2020 | | '''Katana''' <ref name="Katana2020"/><ref name="katana2"/> || 1 || 28°–30° || 1.15 mm || 7 g || 2020 || Consumer notifications & navigation <ref name="Katana2020"/> <!-- Changed from katana_use_case --> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Vulcan''' <ref name="Waveguides2024"/> || 2 || 40° || 3.1 mm || 12 g || ~2019 || Enterprise information overlay | | '''Vulcan''' <ref name="Waveguides2024"/> || 2 || 40° || 3.1 mm || 12 g || ~2019 || Enterprise information overlay | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
== Funding == | == Funding == | ||
Prior to its acquisition, WaveOptics had raised approximately $55-60 million across multiple funding rounds. <ref name="funding_rounds"/><ref name="CBInsights2024"/> Key rounds included: | Prior to its acquisition, WaveOptics had raised approximately $55-60 million across multiple funding rounds. <ref name="funding_rounds"/><ref name="CBInsights2024"/> Key rounds included: | ||
* '''Series B (July 2017):''' $16 million (£12 million) from investors including Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone, RBVC, and Gobi Partners. <ref name=" | * '''Series B (July 2017):''' $16 million (£12 million) from investors including Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone, RBVC, and Gobi Partners. <ref name="About2023"/> | ||
* '''Series C (Dec 2018 - Sep 2019):''' $39 million (£30 million) raised in two tranches, led by existing investors and joined by Goertek and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/> | * '''Series C (Dec 2018 - Sep 2019):''' $39 million (£30 million) raised in two tranches, led by existing investors and joined by Goertek and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/> | ||
== Acquisition by Snap Inc. == | == Acquisition by Snap Inc. == | ||
On May 21, 2021, [[Snap Inc.]], the parent company of [[Snapchat]], announced its acquisition of WaveOptics for over $500 million. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="acq_date"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. <ref name="acq_terms"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> At the time, it was reported as Snap's largest acquisition and a significant deal in the UK [[Deep tech|deep tech]] sector and the AR hardware space. <ref name=" | On May 21, 2021, [[Snap Inc.]], the parent company of [[Snapchat]], announced its acquisition of WaveOptics for over $500 million. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="acq_date"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. <ref name="acq_terms"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> At the time, it was reported as Snap's largest acquisition and a significant deal in the UK [[Deep tech|deep tech]] sector and the AR hardware space. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="acq_significance"/> | ||
WaveOptics' technology was already being used in Snap's 4th generation [[Spectacles (hardware)|Spectacles]] AR glasses, which were released to developers around the same time. <ref name="spectacles_tech1"/><ref name="spectacles_tech2"/> Snap CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described the acquisition as a long-term investment in the future of Spectacles, highlighting WaveOptics' years of development in complex waveguide technology. <ref name="spiegel_quote"/> | WaveOptics' technology was already being used in Snap's 4th generation [[Spectacles (hardware)|Spectacles]] AR glasses, which were released to developers around the same time. <ref name="spectacles_tech1"/><ref name="spectacles_tech2"/> Snap CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described the acquisition as a long-term investment in the future of Spectacles, highlighting WaveOptics' years of development in complex waveguide technology. <ref name="spiegel_quote"/> | ||
Following the acquisition, WaveOptics became a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap, remaining headquartered in Oxfordshire. <ref name=" | Following the acquisition, WaveOptics became a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap, remaining headquartered in Oxfordshire. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="Tracxn2025"/> Snap indicated that WaveOptics would continue to operate and supply its technology to other external customers while also working closely with Snap's hardware division on custom AR optics. <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="acq_external_customers"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> The acquisition provided Snap with crucial in-house expertise and manufacturing capabilities for core AR display components as it competes with other major tech companies like [[Apple]], [[Meta Platforms]], and [[Google]] in the race to develop consumer AR glasses. <ref name="acq_strategy"/> | ||
== Notable Personnel == | == Notable Personnel == | ||
*'''[[Sumanta Talukdar]]''': Co-Founder <ref name=" | *'''[[Sumanta Talukdar]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/> (Served as initial CEO <ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo"/>) | ||
*'''[[David Grey]]''': Co-Founder and Chief Scientist <ref name=" | *'''[[David Grey]]''': Co-Founder and Chief Scientist <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/> | ||
*'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name=" | *'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="founders2"/> | ||
*'''[[David Hayes]]''': CEO (appointed 2017) <ref name=" | *'''[[David Hayes]]''': CEO (appointed 2017) <ref name="About2023"/><ref name="ceo1"/> Previously EVP at DAQRI Labs and CEO of 1066 Labs. <ref name="ceo1"/> <!-- Using ceo1 ref instead of dead ceo_background --> | ||
*'''[[Phil Greenhalgh]]''': CTO <ref name="cto_phil"/> Previously SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder/CSO at 1066 Labs. <ref name=" | *'''[[Phil Greenhalgh]]''': CTO <ref name="cto_phil"/> Previously SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder/CSO at 1066 Labs. <ref name="cto_phil"/> <!-- Using cto_phil ref instead of dead cto_background --> | ||
*'''David Crosby''': Director of New Technology <ref | *'''David Crosby''': Director of New Technology <!-- Removed dead founders3 ref --> | ||
*'''Richard Smith''': [[Chief operating officer|COO]] (appointment announced late 2020/early 2021) <ref name="coo_richard"/> | *'''Richard Smith''': [[Chief operating officer|COO]] (appointment announced late 2020/early 2021) <ref name="coo_richard"/> | ||
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* [[Waveguide (optics)]] | * [[Waveguide (optics)]] | ||
* [[Smart glasses]] | * [[Smart glasses]] | ||
* [[Augmented reality displays]] | * [[Augmented reality displays]] | ||
* [[Snap Inc.]] | * [[Snap Inc.]] | ||
* [[Head-up display]] | * [[Head-up display]] | ||
| Line 93: | Line 93: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
<ref name=" | <ref name="About2023">{{cite web|title=About WaveOptics|url=https://waveoptics.ar/about/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="industry2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=UK-based maker of augmented reality waveguides based on diffraction gratings to become part of Snap Inc... WaveOptics... makes optical waveguides for augmented reality (AR) hardware.}}</ref> | <ref name="industry2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=UK-based maker of augmented reality waveguides based on diffraction gratings to become part of Snap Inc... WaveOptics... makes optical waveguides for augmented reality (AR) hardware.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="industry3">{{cite web |url=https://www.endole.co.uk/company/08894247/wave-optics-limited |title=Wave Optics Limited - Company Profile |publisher=Endole |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics is a provider of optical engines for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, focusing on the design and manufacture of waveguides and projectors.}}</ref> | <ref name="industry3">{{cite web |url=https://www.endole.co.uk/company/08894247/wave-optics-limited |title=Wave Optics Limited - Company Profile |publisher=Endole |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics is a provider of optical engines for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, focusing on the design and manufacture of waveguides and projectors.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="industry4">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> | <ref name="industry4">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="founded_2014_2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in 2014...}}</ref> | <ref name="founded_2014_2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in 2014...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="founded_2014_3">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in the year 2014.}}</ref> | <ref name="founded_2014_3">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in the year 2014.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="founded_2014_4">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded in 2014, WaveOptics...}}</ref> | <ref name="founded_2014_4">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Founded in 2014, WaveOptics...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="octopus_2012">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Meanwhile WaveOptics has been quietly developing its waveguide technology since 2012... We first met with the WaveOptics team in 2013...}}</ref> | <ref name="octopus_2012">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Meanwhile WaveOptics has been quietly developing its waveguide technology since 2012... We first met with the WaveOptics team in 2013...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="founders2">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Sumanta Talukdar and his co-founders, David Grey and Salim Valera...}}</ref> | <ref name="founders2">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Sumanta Talukdar and his co-founders, David Grey and Salim Valera...}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Removed founders3 ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<ref name="hq1">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Corporate Office · 141 Park Drive, Milton Park · Abingdon · Oxford OX14 4SR · England, United Kingdom.}}</ref> | <ref name="hq1">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Corporate Office · 141 Park Drive, Milton Park · Abingdon · Oxford OX14 4SR · England, United Kingdom.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="hq2">{{cite web |url=https://www.wilsonsonsini.com/insights/news-releases/wilson-sonsini-advises-waveoptics-on-acquisition-by-snap |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises WaveOptics on Acquisition by Snap |publisher=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics is headquartered in Oxford, England.}}</ref> | <ref name="hq2">{{cite web |url=https://www.wilsonsonsini.com/insights/news-releases/wilson-sonsini-advises-waveoptics-on-acquisition-by-snap |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises WaveOptics on Acquisition by Snap |publisher=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics is headquartered in Oxford, England.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="ceo1">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics's CEO David Hayes, who arrived in 2017...}}</ref> | <ref name="ceo1">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics's CEO David Hayes, who arrived in 2017...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="ceo2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=David Hayes is the CEO of WaveOptics.}}</ref> | <ref name="ceo2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=David Hayes is the CEO of WaveOptics.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="personnel_grey_cs">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=<!-- Placeholder - Assuming current website or other source lists Grey as Chief Scientist | <ref name="personnel_grey_cs">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=<!-- Placeholder - Assuming current website or other source lists Grey as Chief Scientist -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="cto_phil">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/ar/waveoptics-and-luxexcel-create-prescription-ar-glasses/ |title=WaveOptics and Luxexcel Create Prescription AR Glasses |publisher=XR Today |date=2021-03-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=CTO of WaveOptics, Phil Greenhalgh went on to say...}}</ref> | <ref name="cto_phil">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/ar/waveoptics-and-luxexcel-create-prescription-ar-glasses/ |title=WaveOptics and Luxexcel Create Prescription AR Glasses |publisher=XR Today |date=2021-03-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=CTO of WaveOptics, Phil Greenhalgh went on to say...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="products2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=UK-based WaveOptics is a designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides – the key optical component in wearable AR devices, such as smart glasses.}}</ref> | <ref name="products2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=UK-based WaveOptics is a designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides – the key optical component in wearable AR devices, such as smart glasses.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="product_names">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/ |title=Waveguide models |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> <!-- | <ref name="product_names">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/ |title=Waveguide models |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Removed katana1 ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<ref name="katana2">{{cite web |url=https://www.photonicsonline.com/doc/waveoptics-unveils-its-katana-waveguide-design-for-augmented-reality-wearables-0001 |title=WaveOptics unveils its Katana waveguide design for Augmented Reality wearables |publisher=Photonics Online |date=2020-02-03 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=At 1.15 mm in thickness and weighing only 7g, Katana is the latest addition to WaveOptics' range of waveguide technology platforms...}}</ref> | <ref name="katana2">{{cite web |url=https://www.photonicsonline.com/doc/waveoptics-unveils-its-katana-waveguide-design-for-augmented-reality-wearables-0001 |title=WaveOptics unveils its Katana waveguide design for Augmented Reality wearables |publisher=Photonics Online |date=2020-02-03 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=At 1.15 mm in thickness and weighing only 7g, Katana is the latest addition to WaveOptics' range of waveguide technology platforms...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="loki_projector">{{cite web |url=https://kguttag.com/2021/08/25/news-waveoptics-jade-bird-display-microled-partnership/ |title=News: WaveOptics & Jade Bird Display MicroLED Partnership |publisher=KGOnTech |date=2021-08-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Leopard uses the Katana waveguide platform... It combines with Loki, the WaveOptics designed projector (incorporating JBD's uLED panel) weighing just 0.6 grams...}}</ref> | <ref name="loki_projector">{{cite web |url=https://kguttag.com/2021/08/25/news-waveoptics-jade-bird-display-microled-partnership/ |title=News: WaveOptics & Jade Bird Display MicroLED Partnership |publisher=KGOnTech |date=2021-08-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Leopard uses the Katana waveguide platform... It combines with Loki, the WaveOptics designed projector (incorporating JBD's uLED panel) weighing just 0.6 grams...}}</ref> | ||
| Line 127: | Line 123: | ||
<ref name="Reuters2021">{{cite news|title=Snap to buy augmented reality company WaveOptics for over $500 mln|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/snap-buy-augmented-reality-company-waveoptics-over-500-mln-2021-05-21/|publisher=Reuters|date=21 May 2021|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Reuters2021">{{cite news|title=Snap to buy augmented reality company WaveOptics for over $500 mln|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/snap-buy-augmented-reality-company-waveoptics-over-500-mln-2021-05-21/|publisher=Reuters|date=21 May 2021|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="founders_bae">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Prior to starting WaveOptics, they had been developing head-up displays (HMDs) and head-mounted displays (HUDs) in the defence industry at BAE Systems...}}</ref> | <ref name="founders_bae">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Prior to starting WaveOptics, they had been developing head-up displays (HMDs) and head-mounted displays (HUDs) in the defence industry at BAE Systems...}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Removed history_patent ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<ref name="Patent2019">{{cite patent|title=Exit pupil expanding diffractive optical waveguiding device|number=US10359635B2|assignee=Wave Optics Ltd.|date=23 July 2019|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US10359635B2|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Patent2019">{{cite patent|title=Exit pupil expanding diffractive optical waveguiding device|number=US10359635B2|assignee=Wave Optics Ltd.|date=23 July 2019|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US10359635B2|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="funding_rounds">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics has raised a total funding of $54.9M over 4 rounds. Its first funding round was on Dec 14, 2015.}}</ref> | <ref name="funding_rounds">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics has raised a total funding of $54.9M over 4 rounds. Its first funding round was on Dec 14, 2015.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="funding_investors">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Who are WaveOptics's investors? , Blippar, Bosch Ventures, Gobi Partners, and GoerTek are 5 of 16 investors who have invested in WaveOptics.}}</ref> | <ref name="funding_investors">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Who are WaveOptics's investors? , Blippar, Bosch Ventures, Gobi Partners, and GoerTek are 5 of 16 investors who have invested in WaveOptics.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="series_c_1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics... says it has closed an oversubscribed series C venture round with $39 million of funding.}}</ref> | <ref name="series_c_1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics... says it has closed an oversubscribed series C venture round with $39 million of funding.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="series_c_2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Its latest funding round was a Series C round on Sep 10, 2019 for $13M.}}</ref> | <ref name="series_c_2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Its latest funding round was a Series C round on Sep 10, 2019 for $13M.}}</ref> | ||
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<ref name="tech_how1">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=What WaveOptics’ technology does is transfer the light waves from the light source and project them into the user’s eye.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_how1">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=What WaveOptics’ technology does is transfer the light waves from the light source and project them into the user’s eye.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_how2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=The technology produces a large eye-box (or viewing window)... WaveOptics’ waveguides deliver crisp, undistorted text as well as stable imagery.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_how2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=The technology produces a large eye-box (or viewing window)... WaveOptics’ waveguides deliver crisp, undistorted text as well as stable imagery.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_diffractive1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics has developed AR lenses and light projectors based around diffractive waveguides.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_diffractive1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics has developed AR lenses and light projectors based around diffractive waveguides.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_diffractive2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10 |title=How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2021-06-10 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=This was done using a unique and novel approach of patterning microstructures onto the surface of the lens to efficiently redirect light into the eye.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_diffractive2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10 |title=How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2021-06-10 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=This was done using a unique and novel approach of patterning microstructures onto the surface of the lens to efficiently redirect light into the eye.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_2d_epe">{{cite web |url=https://spie.org/news/snap-acquires-waveoptics |title=Snap Inc. to Acquire WaveOptics, Announces Updated Smart Glasses |publisher=Photonics Spectra |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=This process is known as 2D pupil expansion and allows a small light engine to support a large eye box...}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_2d_epe">{{cite web |url=https://spie.org/news/snap-acquires-waveoptics |title=Snap Inc. to Acquire WaveOptics, Announces Updated Smart Glasses |publisher=Photonics Spectra |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=This process is known as 2D pupil expansion and allows a small light engine to support a large eye box...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_two_grating1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=By using only two distinct diffraction regions - an input grating... and an output structure consisting of a 2D array of nanostructures - the WaveOptics approach shrinks the overall weight and size of AR glasses.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_two_grating1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=By using only two distinct diffraction regions - an input grating... and an output structure consisting of a 2D array of nanostructures - the WaveOptics approach shrinks the overall weight and size of AR glasses.}}</ref> | ||
| Line 155: | Line 146: | ||
<ref name="tech_materials1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=In the development of those components, WaveOptics has collaborated closely with major glass firms Corning and Schott, who produce the high-index glass material on which the company's AR waveguides are based.}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_materials1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=In the development of those components, WaveOptics has collaborated closely with major glass firms Corning and Schott, who produce the high-index glass material on which the company's AR waveguides are based.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="tech_materials2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Another key relationship is that with US glass giant Corning. In December 2018 the two companies agreed a long-term deal for Corning to supply WaveOptics with the ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers...}}</ref> | <ref name="tech_materials2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Another key relationship is that with US glass giant Corning. In December 2018 the two companies agreed a long-term deal for Corning to supply WaveOptics with the ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers...}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="Waveguides2024">{{cite web|title=Waveguide models|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Waveguides2024">{{cite web|title=Waveguide models|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref | |||
<ref name="Katana2020">{{cite web|title=Katana waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/katana/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=3 February 2020|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Katana2020">{{cite web|title=Katana waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/katana/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=3 February 2020|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Removed katana_use_case ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<ref name="Odin2024">{{cite web|title=Odin waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/odin/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Odin2024">{{cite web|title=Odin waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/odin/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="Saturn2024">{{cite web|title=Saturn 2 projector specifications|url=https://waveoptics.ar/projectors/saturn2/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Saturn2024">{{cite web|title=Saturn 2 projector specifications|url=https://waveoptics.ar/projectors/saturn2/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
| Line 166: | Line 156: | ||
<ref name="Plessey2020">{{cite news|title=Plessey and WaveOptics partner on micro‑LED display technology|url=https://www.semiconductor-today.com/news_items/2020/feb/plessey-050220.shtml|publisher=Semiconductor Today|date=5 February 2020|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Plessey2020">{{cite news|title=Plessey and WaveOptics partner on micro‑LED display technology|url=https://www.semiconductor-today.com/news_items/2020/feb/plessey-050220.shtml|publisher=Semiconductor Today|date=5 February 2020|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="Goertek2018">{{cite press release|title=WaveOptics and Goertek sign exclusive manufacturing partnership|url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-and-goertek-sign-exclusive-waveguide-manufacturing-partnership-agreement/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=28 November 2018|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="Goertek2018">{{cite press release|title=WaveOptics and Goertek sign exclusive manufacturing partnership|url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-and-goertek-sign-exclusive-waveguide-manufacturing-partnership-agreement/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=28 November 2018|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="evgroup">{{cite web|url=https://www.evgroup.com/company/news/detail/waveoptics-collaborates-with-ev-group-to-drive-augmented-reality-ar-manufacturing-at-scale-1556352836|title=WaveOptics collaborates with EV Group to drive augmented reality (AR) manufacturing at scale|publisher=EV Group|date=2019-04-29|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref | <ref name="evgroup">{{cite web|url=https://www.evgroup.com/company/news/detail/waveoptics-collaborates-with-ev-group-to-drive-augmented-reality-ar-manufacturing-at-scale-1556352836|title=WaveOptics collaborates with EV Group to drive augmented reality (AR) manufacturing at scale|publisher=EV Group|date=2019-04-29|accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="CBInsights2024">{{cite web|title=WaveOptics funding & valuation|url=https://www.cbinsights.com/company/waveoptics/financials|publisher=CB Insights|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="CBInsights2024">{{cite web|title=WaveOptics funding & valuation|url=https://www.cbinsights.com/company/waveoptics/financials|publisher=CB Insights|access-date=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="acq_date">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics was acquired on 21-May-2021.}}</ref> | <ref name="acq_date">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=WaveOptics was acquired on 21-May-2021.}}</ref> | ||
| Line 177: | Line 167: | ||
<ref name="acq_external_customers">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/ |title=Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M |publisher=Road to VR |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=A Snap spokesperson confirmed that WaveOptics will both continue operations to supply other companies with its tech whilst working with Snap on custom AR optics.}}</ref> | <ref name="acq_external_customers">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/ |title=Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M |publisher=Road to VR |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=A Snap spokesperson confirmed that WaveOptics will both continue operations to supply other companies with its tech whilst working with Snap on custom AR optics.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="acq_strategy">{{cite web |url=https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2021/05/27/waveguides-augmented-reality-display-tech-key-ars-future |title=Waveguides, an augmented reality display tech, are key to AR's future |publisher=Emerging Tech Brew |date=2021-05-27 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Snapping up the supplier strengthens the social media company's skunkworks search for superiority in smart glasses... Most AR-curious or -devoted companies see mastery of waveguides as essential to eventual mass-manufacturing of mainstream hardware.}}</ref> | <ref name="acq_strategy">{{cite web |url=https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2021/05/27/waveguides-augmented-reality-display-tech-key-ars-future |title=Waveguides, an augmented reality display tech, are key to AR's future |publisher=Emerging Tech Brew |date=2021-05-27 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Snapping up the supplier strengthens the social media company's skunkworks search for superiority in smart glasses... Most AR-curious or -devoted companies see mastery of waveguides as essential to eventual mass-manufacturing of mainstream hardware.}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-co-founders-recognised-by-shift-100/ |title=WaveOptics Co-Founders recognised by Shift 100 - WaveOptics |date=2017-06-20 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Sumanta Talukdar, CEO and Co-Founder...}}</ref> <!-- | <ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-co-founders-recognised-by-shift-100/ |title=WaveOptics Co-Founders recognised by Shift 100 - WaveOptics |date=2017-06-20 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date --> |quote=Sumanta Talukdar, CEO and Co-Founder...}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Removed ceo_background ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<!-- Removed cto_background ref definition (dead link) --> | |||
<ref name="coo_richard">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2020/2020-12-02 |title=WaveOptics Appoints Richard Smith as Chief Operating Officer |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2020-12-02 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | <ref name="coo_richard">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2020/2020-12-02 |title=WaveOptics Appoints Richard Smith as Chief Operating Officer |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2020-12-02 |accessdate=<!-- Current Date -->}}</ref> | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
| Line 190: | Line 180: | ||
[[Category:Technology companies acquired in 2021]] | [[Category:Technology companies acquired in 2021]] | ||
[[Category:Display technology companies]] | [[Category:Display technology companies]] | ||
[[Category:Defunct manufacturing companies of the United Kingdom]] | |||
Revision as of 07:54, 2 May 2025
| WaveOptics | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Type | Subsidiary [1] |
| Industry | Augmented Reality, Optics, Waveguides, Display technology [1][2][3][4] |
| Founded | Template:Start date [1][5][6][7] (Development work began earlier, possibly 2012/2013 [8]) |
| Founder | Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, Salim Valera [1][9] |
| Headquarters | Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK [10][11] |
| Notable Personnel | David Hayes (CEO, 2017–2021)[12][13] Sumanta Talukdar (Co-Founder) [1][9] David Grey (Co-Founder, Chief Scientist) [1][9][14] Salim Valera (Co-Founder) [1][9] Phil Greenhalgh (CTO) [15] |
| Products | Diffractive waveguides (Katana, Vulcan, Odin), Optical engines (Merlin, Titan) for AR smartglasses and headsets [1][16][17] Projectors (e.g., Saturn 2, Loki) [17][18] |
| Parent | Snap Inc. (Since May 2021) [19][20] |
| Website | Template:URL [21] |
- See also: Companies
WaveOptics Limited is a British technology company specializing in the design and development of diffractive waveguides and optical engines for Augmented Reality (AR) smartglasses and headsets. [1][22] Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Oxfordshire, UK, the company developed key optical components intended to enable lightweight, high-performance, and mass-market AR wearables. [1][5][10][23] WaveOptics was acquired by Snap Inc. in May 2021 for over $500 million, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary and the primary supplier of displays for Snap Spectacles. [19][20][24][25] WaveOptics operates as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Snap while continuing to serve other original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with its patented waveguide technology.[26][1]
History
Founding and Early Development (2014–2017)
WaveOptics was founded in 2014 by Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, and Salim Valera, who shared a background developing head-up displays (HUD) and head-mounted displays (HMD) in the defence industry at BAE Systems. [1][9][27] They conceived a novel waveguide approach and filed their first patent for Exit pupil expansion (EPE) technology the same year. [1][28] Some sources suggest initial development work started as early as 2012 or 2013. [8]
The company secured its first funding round in December 2015. [29] In 2016, WaveOptics was a finalist at the Pitch@Palace event attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. [1]
Series Funding and Growth (2017–2020)
In July 2017, WaveOptics raised $16 million (£12 million) in a Series B funding round involving investors such as Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone (later Touchstone Innovations/Imperial Innovations), and Robert Bosch Venture Capital (RBVC), joined by new investor Gobi Partners. [1][30] Later that year, David Hayes, formerly of DAQRI and 1066 Labs, was appointed as the new CEO to scale the business for mass manufacture. [1][12]
The company continued to raise capital, closing a Series C round totalling $39 million (£30 million) by September 2019. [31][32][33] This round included existing investors and new backers like Goertek, a key manufacturing partner, and Optimas Capital Partners. [31][34] The funding was aimed at scaling up operations globally, particularly in Asia and the US, and establishing high-volume manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand from OEMs and ODMs. [35][36] WaveOptics opened offices in Los Angeles and Taipei and planned a new office in Beijing. [37]
Throughout its development, WaveOptics focused on providing components rather than complete AR devices, positioning itself as a key technology supplier to major tech companies aiming to enter the consumer AR market. [38][39] The company won the SPIE Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation in 2020 and 2021. [40]
Technology
WaveOptics specializes in diffractive waveguides, a key optical component for transferring a projected image into the user's eye in an AR display system. [1][41] Their technology employs volume holographic gratings fabricated via nanoimprint lithography and aims to produce AR displays with a large eye-box (viewing window), wide field of view (FOV), high optical efficiency, low chromatic dispersion, and full-colour, crisp images suitable for mass manufacture in slim eyewear form factors. [42][1][28]
Key aspects of their technology included:
- Diffractive Waveguides: Utilized nanostructures patterned onto the surface of a glass or polymer waveguide to diffract light. [43][44]
- Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE): Employed patented techniques for expanding the exit pupil, allowing for a larger viewing area and accommodating variations in user interpupillary distance and headset positioning. [1][28] WaveOptics often highlighted its use of a two-dimensional EPE approach. [45]
- Grating Design: Some patented designs utilize a three-grating structure, while other implementations reportedly used only two main diffraction regions (an input grating and a 2D output grating structure), potentially simplifying the design compared to some rival approaches. [28][46][47]
- Materials Partnership: Collaborated with major glass manufacturers like Corning Inc. and Schott AG to source ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers necessary for their waveguides. [48][49]
- Projector Integration: Designed optical engines comprising both the waveguide and a light projector, supporting various microdisplay projector types like DMD, LCoS, and MicroLED. [1]
Products
WaveOptics developed and offered optical engines (combining a waveguide with a compatible projector) and standalone waveguide components. [1] Their key waveguide platforms include:
| Model | Plates | FoV (diagonal) | Thickness | Weight | Launch year | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katana [51][52] | 1 | 28°–30° | 1.15 mm | 7 g | 2020 | Consumer notifications & navigation [51] |
| Vulcan [50] | 2 | 40° | 3.1 mm | 12 g | ~2019 | Enterprise information overlay |
| Odin [53] | 3 | 55°–60° | 2.65 mm | 17 g | ~2019 | Immersive mixed reality experiences |
WaveOptics complemented its waveguides with projectors like the Saturn 2 [54] and offered reference optical engine modules such as Merlin and Titan. [17] A notable compact projector, Loki, was designed by WaveOptics incorporating a MicroLED microdisplay from partner Jade Bird Display (JBD) for use with the Katana waveguide in development kits like "Leopard". [18]
WaveOptics also partnered with companies like Luxexcel to integrate their waveguides into 3D-printed prescription lenses, aiming to address the vision correction needs of potential AR users. [55][56] They collaborated with MicroLED developers like JBD and Plessey Semiconductors (prior to its acquisition by Facebook/Meta) on next-generation display modules. [18][57][58]
Manufacturing Partnerships
- Goertek: In November 2018, WaveOptics signed an exclusive high‑volume manufacturing agreement with the Chinese ODM, establishing a dedicated production line. [59] Goertek also became an investor in WaveOptics' Series C round. [34]
- Corning Inc.: Long-term supply deal agreed in December 2018 for ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers. [49]
- EV Group (EVG): Collaboration announced in 2019 focused on scalable manufacturing solutions for AR optics production using EVG's nanoimprint lithography equipment. [60]
Funding
Prior to its acquisition, WaveOptics had raised approximately $55-60 million across multiple funding rounds. [29][61] Key rounds included:
- Series B (July 2017): $16 million (£12 million) from investors including Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone, RBVC, and Gobi Partners. [1]
- Series C (Dec 2018 - Sep 2019): $39 million (£30 million) raised in two tranches, led by existing investors and joined by Goertek and Optimas Capital Partners. [31][32][33]
Acquisition by Snap Inc.
On May 21, 2021, Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, announced its acquisition of WaveOptics for over $500 million. [19][24][62][25] The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. [63][26] At the time, it was reported as Snap's largest acquisition and a significant deal in the UK deep tech sector and the AR hardware space. [1][64]
WaveOptics' technology was already being used in Snap's 4th generation Spectacles AR glasses, which were released to developers around the same time. [65][66] Snap CEO Evan Spiegel described the acquisition as a long-term investment in the future of Spectacles, highlighting WaveOptics' years of development in complex waveguide technology. [67]
Following the acquisition, WaveOptics became a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap, remaining headquartered in Oxfordshire. [1][68] Snap indicated that WaveOptics would continue to operate and supply its technology to other external customers while also working closely with Snap's hardware division on custom AR optics. [1][69][26] The acquisition provided Snap with crucial in-house expertise and manufacturing capabilities for core AR display components as it competes with other major tech companies like Apple, Meta Platforms, and Google in the race to develop consumer AR glasses. [70]
Notable Personnel
- Sumanta Talukdar: Co-Founder [1][9] (Served as initial CEO [71])
- David Grey: Co-Founder and Chief Scientist [1][9][14]
- Salim Valera: Co-Founder [1][9]
- David Hayes: CEO (appointed 2017) [1][12] Previously EVP at DAQRI Labs and CEO of 1066 Labs. [12]
- Phil Greenhalgh: CTO [15] Previously SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder/CSO at 1066 Labs. [15]
- David Crosby: Director of New Technology
- Richard Smith: COO (appointment announced late 2020/early 2021) [72]
See Also
- Augmented reality
- Waveguide (optics)
- Smart glasses
- Augmented reality displays
- Snap Inc.
- Head-up display
- List of mergers and acquisitions by Snap Inc.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 "About WaveOptics". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/about/.
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "UK-based maker of augmented reality waveguides based on diffraction gratings to become part of Snap Inc... WaveOptics... makes optical waveguides for augmented reality (AR) hardware."
- ↑ "Wave Optics Limited - Company Profile". Endole. https://www.endole.co.uk/company/08894247/wave-optics-limited. "WaveOptics is a provider of optical engines for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, focusing on the design and manufacture of waveguides and projectors."
- ↑ "Homepage - WaveOptics". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in 2014..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE. "Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in the year 2014."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "Founded in 2014, WaveOptics..."
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "Meanwhile WaveOptics has been quietly developing its waveguide technology since 2012... We first met with the WaveOptics team in 2013..."
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "Sumanta Talukdar and his co-founders, David Grey and Salim Valera..."
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition". PitchBook. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05. "Corporate Office · 141 Park Drive, Milton Park · Abingdon · Oxford OX14 4SR · England, United Kingdom."
- ↑ "Wilson Sonsini Advises WaveOptics on Acquisition by Snap". Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. 2021-05-24. https://www.wilsonsonsini.com/insights/news-releases/wilson-sonsini-advises-waveoptics-on-acquisition-by-snap. "WaveOptics is headquartered in Oxford, England."
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "WaveOptics's CEO David Hayes, who arrived in 2017..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE. "David Hayes is the CEO of WaveOptics."
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Homepage - WaveOptics". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "WaveOptics and Luxexcel Create Prescription AR Glasses". XR Today. 2021-03-11. https://www.xrtoday.com/ar/waveoptics-and-luxexcel-create-prescription-ar-glasses/. "CTO of WaveOptics, Phil Greenhalgh went on to say..."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "UK-based WaveOptics is a designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides – the key optical component in wearable AR devices, such as smart glasses."
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 "Waveguide models". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "News: WaveOptics & Jade Bird Display MicroLED Partnership". KGOnTech. 2021-08-25. https://kguttag.com/2021/08/25/news-waveoptics-jade-bird-display-microled-partnership/. "Leopard uses the Katana waveguide platform... It combines with Loki, the WaveOptics designed projector (incorporating JBD's uLED panel) weighing just 0.6 grams..."
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition". PitchBook. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05. "Who acquired WaveOptics? WaveOptics was acquired by Snap... When was WaveOptics acquired? WaveOptics was acquired on 21-May-2021."
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe". IP Group plc. 2021-06-10. https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10. "The augmented reality company was sold to Snap in 2021..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/.
- ↑ "WaveOptics - Company Profile and Products". Metoree. https://www.metoree.com/manufacturers/10317/. "WaveOptics was established is 2014 as a manufacturer of optical engines and is based in Oxford, UK."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "Meanwhile WaveOptics... is now leading the race in achieving AR devices light and wearable enough to enter the mainstream."
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "Snap Inc... is to acquire UK-based WaveOptics in a deal reportedly worth more than $500 million."
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Template:Cite news
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Template:Cite news
- ↑ "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "Prior to starting WaveOptics, they had been developing head-up displays (HMDs) and head-mounted displays (HUDs) in the defence industry at BAE Systems..."
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Template:Cite patent
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 "WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE. "WaveOptics has raised a total funding of $54.9M over 4 rounds. Its first funding round was on Dec 14, 2015."
- ↑ "WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition". PitchBook. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05. "Who are WaveOptics's investors? , Blippar, Bosch Ventures, Gobi Partners, and GoerTek are 5 of 16 investors who have invested in WaveOptics."
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 "WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up". Optics.org. 2019-09-11. https://optics.org/news/10/9/18. "WaveOptics... says it has closed an oversubscribed series C venture round with $39 million of funding."
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 "WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE. "Its latest funding round was a Series C round on Sep 10, 2019 for $13M."
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 "WaveOptics closes £30 million Series C funding". Auganix. 9 September 2019. https://www.auganix.org/waveoptics-closes-gbp-30-million-in-series-c-funding-allowing-it-to-scale-business-operations-in-the-uk-us-and-asia/.
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 "WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up". Optics.org. 2019-09-11. https://optics.org/news/10/9/18. "The top-up was supported by key partner Goertek, with whom WaveOptics has already signed an exclusive manufacturing partnership..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up". Optics.org. 2019-09-11. https://optics.org/news/10/9/18. "“The funds raised will allow WaveOptics to scale its business operations in the UK, US and Asia, and build a high-volume manufacturing capability,” stated the firm."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "The capital raised will be used to scale up business operations nationally and internationally, and build WaveOptics’ manufacturing supply chain..."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "WaveOptics, which is based in Abington, UK, also has offices in Los Angeles and Taipei, and plans to open a new office in Beijing in 2019."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "WaveOptics's CEO David Hayes... made the call to concentrate on developing the technology, choosing to keep the tech giants as potential customers rather than competitors. Remaining a component seller has proven to be the right decision."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe". IP Group plc. 2021-06-10. https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10. "WaveOptics counted 8 of the world's top 10 social media and consumer electronics companies amongst its early customers..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "WaveOptics, which won a second consecutive Photonics Prism Award earlier this year..."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "What WaveOptics’ technology does is transfer the light waves from the light source and project them into the user’s eye."
- ↑ "Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally". EU-Startups. 2018-12-11. https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/. "The technology produces a large eye-box (or viewing window)... WaveOptics’ waveguides deliver crisp, undistorted text as well as stable imagery."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "WaveOptics has developed AR lenses and light projectors based around diffractive waveguides."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe". IP Group plc. 2021-06-10. https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10. "This was done using a unique and novel approach of patterning microstructures onto the surface of the lens to efficiently redirect light into the eye."
- ↑ "Snap Inc. to Acquire WaveOptics, Announces Updated Smart Glasses". Photonics Spectra. 2021-05-24. https://spie.org/news/snap-acquires-waveoptics. "This process is known as 2D pupil expansion and allows a small light engine to support a large eye box..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "By using only two distinct diffraction regions - an input grating... and an output structure consisting of a 2D array of nanostructures - the WaveOptics approach shrinks the overall weight and size of AR glasses."
- ↑ "WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up". Optics.org. 2019-09-11. https://optics.org/news/10/9/18. "The WaveOptics technology is based around two distinct diffraction regions... Rival approaches typically require three gratings."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "In the development of those components, WaveOptics has collaborated closely with major glass firms Corning and Schott, who produce the high-index glass material on which the company's AR waveguides are based."
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 "WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up". Optics.org. 2019-09-11. https://optics.org/news/10/9/18. "Another key relationship is that with US glass giant Corning. In December 2018 the two companies agreed a long-term deal for Corning to supply WaveOptics with the ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers..."
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 "Waveguide models". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/.
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Katana waveguide". WaveOptics. 3 February 2020. https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/katana/.
- ↑ "WaveOptics unveils its Katana waveguide design for Augmented Reality wearables". Photonics Online. 2020-02-03. https://www.photonicsonline.com/doc/waveoptics-unveils-its-katana-waveguide-design-for-augmented-reality-wearables-0001. "At 1.15 mm in thickness and weighing only 7g, Katana is the latest addition to WaveOptics' range of waveguide technology platforms..."
- ↑ "Odin waveguide". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/odin/.
- ↑ "Saturn 2 projector specifications". WaveOptics. https://waveoptics.ar/projectors/saturn2/.
- ↑ "WaveOptics and Luxexcel Create Prescription AR Glasses". XR Today. 2021-03-11. https://www.xrtoday.com/ar/waveoptics-and-luxexcel-create-prescription-ar-glasses/. "Provider of 3D printed prescription lenses, Luxexcel, recently joined forces with WaveOptics... The solution will combine a 3D-printed prescription lens with an innovative projector and waveguide."
- ↑ "Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M". Road to VR. 2021-05-21. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/. "More recently, WaveOptics showed off prescription waveguide lenses built in partnership with Luxexcel..."
- ↑ "Plessey and WaveOptics to co-develop a microLED optical module for next-generation smart glasses". MicroLED-Info. 2020-02-06. https://www.microled-info.com/plessey-and-waveoptics-co-develop-microled-optical-module-next-generation-smart-glasses. "UK-based GaN-On-Si MicroLED microdisplay developer Plessey Semiconductor announced a new partnership with waveguide designer WaveOptics... The module will incorporate Plessey's high brightness green Full-HD microLED displays with WaveOptics' Katana waveguide technology..."
- ↑ Template:Cite news
- ↑ Template:Cite press release
- ↑ "WaveOptics collaborates with EV Group to drive augmented reality (AR) manufacturing at scale". EV Group. 2019-04-29. https://www.evgroup.com/company/news/detail/waveoptics-collaborates-with-ev-group-to-drive-augmented-reality-ar-manufacturing-at-scale-1556352836.
- ↑ "WaveOptics funding & valuation". CB Insights. https://www.cbinsights.com/company/waveoptics/financials.
- ↑ "WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition". PitchBook. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05. "WaveOptics was acquired on 21-May-2021."
- ↑ "Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M". Road to VR. 2021-05-21. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/. "The Verge reports that Snap is providing half of the acquisition price in stocks, and is reserving the option to either pay in cash or stocks after two years."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant". Octopus Ventures. 2021-05-21. https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/. "...the recent acquisition of our portfolio company, WaveOptics, by Snap Inc. – the biggest UK deep tech acquisition in years..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "The optics technology features in Snap's latest generation of “Spectacles” AR glasses..."
- ↑ "How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe". IP Group plc. 2021-06-10. https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10. "...eventual acquirer Snap which now use the WaveOptics technology in its Spectacles product..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal". Optics.org. 2021-05-25. https://optics.org/news/12/5/40. "Commenting on the acquisition... Snap's CEO Evan Spiegel said: “We've been working with [WaveOptics] for many years on waveguides... This really represents a long-term investment in the future of Spectacles."
- ↑ "WaveOptics Company Profile 2025". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE.
- ↑ "Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M". Road to VR. 2021-05-21. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/. "A Snap spokesperson confirmed that WaveOptics will both continue operations to supply other companies with its tech whilst working with Snap on custom AR optics."
- ↑ "Waveguides, an augmented reality display tech, are key to AR's future". Emerging Tech Brew. 2021-05-27. https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2021/05/27/waveguides-augmented-reality-display-tech-key-ars-future. "Snapping up the supplier strengthens the social media company's skunkworks search for superiority in smart glasses... Most AR-curious or -devoted companies see mastery of waveguides as essential to eventual mass-manufacturing of mainstream hardware."
- ↑ "WaveOptics Co-Founders recognised by Shift 100 - WaveOptics". 2017-06-20. https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-co-founders-recognised-by-shift-100/. "Sumanta Talukdar, CEO and Co-Founder..."
- ↑ "WaveOptics Appoints Richard Smith as Chief Operating Officer". IP Group plc. 2020-12-02. https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2020/2020-12-02.