Distance Technologies, a Helsinki-based startup, is shaking up the mixed-reality space with its groundbreaking technology that turns any transparent surface—be it a car windshield or plane cockpit—into a 3D augmented reality (AR) display. This Finnish innovator has raised €10 million ($11.1 million) in a seed funding round led by GV (formerly Google Ventures), alongside existing investors FOV Ventures and Maki.vc, to accelerate its development and expansion into automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.
At its core, Distance Technologies' solution eliminates the need for cumbersome AR headsets or glasses by using advanced optics and tracking technology to project digital images directly onto a user’s line of sight. By adding layers of optics to standard liquid crystal displays (LCDs), the system creates highly accurate light fields tailored to the viewer’s eye position. The result is a fully immersive AR experience without the clunky hardware traditionally associated with mixed-reality tech. This has huge potential for automotive and aviation, offering enhanced safety and navigation without distracting the user.
Urho Konttori, Distance’s CEO and co-founder, said, “As long as users are required to wear something on their heads, mixed reality will never feel truly seamless.” With a background as CTO at Varjo, another leading mixed-reality firm, Konttori is confident that their software-driven approach can solve many challenges AR head-up displays (HUDs) face today.
Distance’s vision is to create a more immersive, life-size field of view for applications like driving and flying. The company’s technology enables infinite pixel depth, which could bring a whole new dimension to vehicle interfaces, providing real-time data and enhancing user interaction in ways traditional HUDs haven’t yet achieved.
GV’s investment reflects the growing excitement around next-gen user interfaces. Roni Hiranand, Principal at GV, highlighted how automotive and aerospace industries provide the perfect launchpad for Distance’s innovative approach.
While commercializing AR is no easy task due to high costs, Distance is focused on advancing its optics technology to a product-ready state by early next year. The team is now transitioning from research to product development, working closely with potential customers to fine-tune the final specifications.
With new funding in place and plans to push the boundaries of AR displays, Distance Technologies is on track to redefine how we interact with transparent surfaces in vehicles, cockpits, and beyond.
