Almer Technologies raises CHF 4.5 million to enhance its augmented reality technology

Almer Technologies has raised CHF 4.5 million to refine its AR glasses, Almer Arc 2, and expand into new markets.

Almer Technologies, the Bern-based innovator in augmented reality (AR) solutions for industrial applications, has successfully closed a Seed 2 funding round raising CHF 4.5 millio. This financial backing is aimed to spur the development of their second-generation AR glasses, Almer Arc 2, and facilitate entry into new markets.

Founded by a group of students and researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Tsinghua University from Beijing, Almer is a testament to the potential of start-up culture. Back in October 2022, Almer Technologies introduced its first product, the Almer Arc, a novel tool for frontline workers in the tech industry. This AR solution significantly improved the process of remote technical assistance, providing a real-time interface between on-site workers and experts around the globe.

The latest fundraising marks a significant milestone for Almer Technologies, reflecting the industry’s growing confidence in its cutting-edge AR solutions. With over CHF 100,000 generated in pilot customer revenue from the sale of 200 units of the first Almer Arc, Almer is set to carry this momentum into the development of their second-generation AR glasses.

Feedback from the pilot tests has been instrumental in shaping the Almer Arc 2. Notable enhancements include a brighter display, an ambient brightness sensor, and a revamped ergonomic head-mounted design for all-day comfort. Moreover, the camera’s central position will provide remote experts with a more intuitive, first-person view of on-site issues, significantly enriching the troubleshooting process.

AR advancements and expansion plans

The new funding round, supported by substantial industry partners and previous investors, will be used to finalize the development of the Almer Arc 2. With production slated to commence in Q4 2023, Almer plans to officially launch the Arc 2 in Q1 2024. Pilot customers are set to be the first recipients of the upgraded glasses in exchange for their first-generation units.

Sebastian Beetschen, CEO and Co-Founder of Almer, expressed his optimism about the company’s future, “We’ve successfully created a groundbreaking product in a remarkably short period. This Seed 2 funding enables us to refine the Almer Arc even more and significantly expand our production to meet the accelerating demand.”

Amid a global shift towards remote operations, Almer Technologies’ advancements in AR are set to redefine the landscape of remote technical assistance, consolidating the company’s position at the forefront of this emergent field.