- IXI, a Finnish startup, raised $36.5M to develop autofocus prescription glasses.
- Uses eye-tracking and liquid crystal lenses to adjust focus for presbyopia.
- Backed by Amazon Alexa Fund, Plural, and others; led by ex-Nokia, Varjo team.
- Prototypes expected in 2025, aiming to disrupt $200B eyewear market.
Finnish startup IXI has secured $36.5 million in funding to revolutionize prescription glasses. Based in Helsinki, IXI is crafting glasses that automatically adjust focus using cutting-edge eye-tracking and liquid crystal lens technology. This innovation targets presbyopia, a common age-related condition causing far-sightedness, allowing wearers to see clearly at varying distances without switching glasses.
The funding round, announced on April 28, 2025, marks IXI’s emergence from stealth mode and includes investment from the Amazon Alexa Fund, Plural, Tesi, byFounders, Heartcore, Eurazeo, FOV Ventures, Tiny Supercomputer, and others. Previously known as Pixieray, IXI is led by CEO Niko Eiden and chief algorithm officer Ville Miettinen, both seasoned innovators from Nokia and Microsoft’s HoloLens projects, and founders of Varjo, a mixed-reality headset company.
The eyewear market, valued at over $200 billion and growing at 8% annually, presents a massive opportunity. Unlike virtual reality headsets, which struggle with low sales volumes, prescription glasses are a necessity for millions. IXI’s technology aims to simplify the experience for those juggling multiple pairs or struggling with varifocal lenses.
Their glasses embed a tiny device in the frame to track eye movement, adjusting liquid crystal lenses in real time for seamless focus. With a battery life of about two days, the glasses ensure functionality for distance vision even if the battery dies, though close-up tasks like reading may be affected.
IXI has filed multiple patents to protect this invisible, smart technology, setting it apart from competitors like Japan’s Elcyo and France’s Laclarée, which are yet to launch, or Vixion, whose autofocus glasses feature bulkier designs.
IXI’s team brings a wealth of expertise from their work on advanced optics at Nokia and Varjo. Eiden noted that while augmented and virtual reality markets remain niche, eyewear as a medical device offers untapped potential. The startup’s focus is solely on enhancing vision, not integrating digital features like email or social media.
This clarity of purpose attracted investors, including Amazon, whose Alexa Fund sees promise in IXI’s low-power, high-performance approach. Paul Bernard, head of the Alexa Fund, praised the team’s ability to tackle complex challenges, citing their Varjo experience. Amazon’s interest may also tie to its broader ambitions in eyewear, from delivery driver glasses to its pharmacy business, hinting at future synergies.
The road to market is challenging. Competitors like Laclarée have delayed launches, underscoring the complexity of autofocus eyewear. IXI’s glasses will require regulatory approvals as medical devices, and while prototypes are expected later in 2025, a commercial release date remains undisclosed.
Still, investors are optimistic. Plural’s Sten Tamkivi highlighted IXI’s rare European hardware expertise, calling their technology a game-changer for human vision. The startup’s proven lab results and patent portfolio further bolster confidence in its potential to disrupt the eyewear industry.
For consumers, IXI’s glasses promise a future where one pair handles all vision needs effortlessly. Imagine driving, reading, or working without fumbling for different glasses or squinting through varifocals. This innovation could redefine convenience and accessibility in eyewear, making clear vision more attainable. As IXI moves toward its first product, the eyewear world is watching closely, eager to see if this Finnish startup can deliver on its bold vision.
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