Deeptech
Q3 202405.09.2024

Extended reality (2024)

Picture of Federico Scolari

Federico Scolari

at Sifted

From its birthplace in the metaverse field, XR has now largely switched focus to a host of new sectors — including healthtech, transportation, manufacturing, and construction, which are harnessing the technology and scoring hefty reward points. Of course, gaming and entertainment — the early targets of the XR market — are still very active domains, so much so that legacy giants like the BBC are tapping into the startup market to fast-track their way into long-term XR plans.

Though the XR market hasn’t taken off as initially projected, the tech is now far more scalable, and commonplace applications may still be inevitable. Apple accepted that bet in February this year with the release of its Vision Pro product line, prompting polarising responses. While prices are still prohibitive for mass adoption on the consumer side (Apple’s headset starts at $3,500), the move finally laid a path for software bundles across new industries.

20 startups to watch

  • Pixaera logo

    Sifted score

    7.13
    -

    Pixaera

    Virtual reality training for hazardous tasks.

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Hiring

    • Year founded

      2020

    • HQ

      London, United Kingdom

    • Latest round

      Seed
      €5.7m / Oct 2022

    • Total funding

      €5.7m

    View company profile
  • Swave Photonics logo

    Sifted score

    6.77
    -

    Swave Photonics

    Holographic displays revolutionize visual experiences.

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Hiring

    • Year founded

      2022

    • HQ

      Leuven, Belgium

    • Latest round

      Seed
      €3m / Jun 2023

    • Total funding

      €10m

    View company profile
  • Almer Technologies logo

    Sifted score

    6.71
    -

    Almer Technologies

    • Strong investor(s)

    • Year founded

      2021

    • HQ

      Bern, Switzerland

    • Latest round

      Seed
      €3.8m / Jun 2023

    • Total funding

      €5.2m

    View company profile
  • OQmented logo

    Sifted score

    6.71
    -

    OQmented

    Seamless augmented reality glasses for professionals.

    • Year founded

      2018

    • HQ

      Itzehoe, Germany

    • Latest round

      Series A
      €18.2m / Mar 2023

    • Total funding

      €26.6m

    View company profile
  • Merit Circle logo

    Sifted score

    6.41
    -

    Merit Circle

    • Strong investor(s)
    • Hiring

    • Year founded

      2021

    • HQ

      Amsterdam, Netherlands

    • Latest round

      Seed
      €4.1m / Oct 2021

    • Total funding

      €4.1m

    View company profile

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