microLED manufacturer VueReal announced on Wednesday it secured roughly $14.4 million USD in a Series B funding round led by Cycle Capital and supported by major investors such as LG Electronics, TDK Ventures, and Samsung Ventures.
VueReal creates microLED components for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) head-mounted devices (HMDs).
MicroLED hardware stands out from similar display technology due to its ease of production, allowing many firms such as Microsoft and Samsung to use microLED parts in prototyped hardware.
Meanwhile, alternative display technology for micro-organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has not reached mass distribution, but in September last year, Apple partnered with APS Holdings to research OLED solutions for its upcoming devices.
The CEO of VueReal, Reza Chaji, added,
“VueReal’s technology enables a wide range of applications, from compact micro-displays to cost-competitive, high-volume consumer displays, to fully customizable screens”
According to the Waterloo, Canada-based firm, it uses microprinting to enhance flexibility and sustainability when integrating microLED parts.
Investment Director at TDK Ventures, Tina Tosukhowong, added,
“[The] challenging assembly process has been the biggest limiting factor [for microLED production] for many years. VueReals microprinting solution is a real gamechanger”
More on Display Technology
Many technology firms are investing in microLED solutions for XR devices. Notably, Apple claims that its upcoming MR headset will integrate a 4K microLED display along with other features such as an M1 processor, tetherless functionality, and WiFi-7 connectivity.
Last March, Apple and TSMC partnered to develop new OLED displays for AR headsets, just shortly after the former filed a patent for an accurate AR display that adapts to real-world lighting environments.
Conversely, rival tech giant Google is also investing in microLED technology for its upcoming XR headset. Last month, the Mountain View-based firm bought immersive display startup Raxium for an undisclosed sum firm to push research into microLEDs and semiconductors.
Additionally, microOLED startup Porotech secured roughly $20 million in February this year, enabling the Cambridge-based firm to accelerate the distribution and production of gallium nitride (GaN)-based materials in XR displays.
Many emerging display technologies are in the works from global startups, with Mojo Vision announcing last month groundbreaking plans to distribute smart contact lenses with rich microLED displays.
