German deeptech startup Gixel has raised €5 million (US$5.44 million) in seed funding to enhance its optical display technology for AI and augmented reality (AR) glasses.

The funding round was led by Oculus VR co-founder Brendan Iribe and included contributions from notable investors such as Ted Schilowitz, FlixBus founders Jochen Engert, Daniel Kraus, and André Schwämmlein.

It also saw participation from Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND) and early-stage VC firm LEA Partners.

Founded in 2019, Gixel specializes in developing lightweight and power-efficient optical displays for wearable devices.

The company’s modular design allows for customization, featuring options such as curved lenses, variable focal planes, and flexible fields of view.

Co-founded by Fraunhofer optics experts Dr. Miro Taphanel and Dr. Ding Luo, along with entrepreneur Felix Nienstaedt, Gixel is currently developing a functional prototype.

The company plans to conduct a series A funding round next year to scale production and address anticipated demand for its technology.