Investment

Google Reportedly to Invest $100M in Smart Glasses Partner Gentle Monster

June 24, 2025 From roadtovr

Ahead of Google’s planned rollout of Android XR-equipped smart glasses, the company is reportedly making a $100 million investment in hardware partner Gentle Monster, the South Korean fashion eyewear brand.

According to a Korean Economic Daily report, Google is slated to sign a deal worth around 145.0 billion Korean won (~$100 million) in Gentle Monster.

Citing investment banking sources, the report maintains talks are now at final stages, wherein Google will obtain a 4% stake in the South Korean eyewear brand.

Google announced in May that it was partnering with both Gentle Monster and US-based eyewear brand Warby Parker to release the company’s first generation of Android XR-based smart glasses.

Android XR smart glasses seen at Google I/O | Image courtesy Google

Expected to release sometime in 2026, the smart glasses are said to prominently feature Google’s Gemini AI, with some even including on-board displays for visual output.

Meanwhile, its competitors are maneuvering to capture what could be the next big push in wearable computing.

Meta revealed last week that it’s deepening its ties with Ray-Ban Meta partner EssilorLuxottica with the upcoming release of Oakley Meta HSTN—the company’s next smart glasses following the release of Ray-Ban Meta in 2023.

Previous reports additionally suggest that both Samsung and Apple are looking to launch their own smart glasses at some point in the future; reports allege Samsung could release a device this year, and Apple as soon as 2026.

Japan’s TDK Acquires Smart Glasses Maker SoftEye to Advance Wearable AI Tech

June 20, 2025 From roadtovr

TDK, the Japan-based electronic component and software company, announced it’s acquired SoftEye, the US-based smart glasses hardware and software maker.

TDK calls the acquisition of SoftEye a “key milestone in the development of TDK’s contribution to the entire AI ecosystem and reinforces the business portfolio to establish a leadership position in this critical market.”

While financial terms have not been made public, a Reuters report claims the deal is worth “less than $100 million,” according to a source familiar with the matter.

SoftEye, a San Diego-based company, manufactures custom chips, cameras and algorithms for use in AI-linked smart glasses, something TDK calls “a critical element in delivering a complete AR/VR display system and will also create a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with AI through eye movement.”

“We are building technologies for AI glasses connecting the user with generative AI, which fits directly in line with TDK strategy for smart glasses which can connect people with AI for a more intuitive and compelling user experience,” says SoftEye CEO Te-Won Lee. “SoftEye’s novel, low power eye intent system unlocks a new type of Human Machine Interface that allows the user to communicate with AI simply through their eye movements. Together, we believe we can deliver even more advanced integrated solutions – spanning systems, software and machine learning and custom chips.”

Widely known for its major position in the cassette tape and CD-R disc industry in the ’90s and early 2000s, TDK has since focused on electronic components, including everything from sensors, transformers, capacitors, and application specific IC (ASIC).

In recent years, the company has also heavily invested in AI infrastructure—from neuromorphic “spin memristors” to reduce power consumption for AI applications, to ultra‑fast spin photo detectors to increase data speeds for AR/VR applications and data centers.

TDK’s SoftEye acquisition follows increased market interest in smart glasses, with industry veteran Vuzix recently securing a $5 million investment from Quanta Computer, the Taiwan-based ODM and major Apple assembler.

Meanwhile, familiar names in the consumer-focused XR segment are preparing what could shape up to be strong competitors to the field’s leader, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Image courtesy Meta, EssilorLuxottica

Google announced last month it’s working with eyewear firms Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to release a line of fashionable smart glasses running the company’s forthcoming Android XR operating system—expected to release sometime after 2025.

Rumors additionally suggest that both Samsung and Apple are aiming to release their own smart glasses at some point, with reports claiming Samsung could release a device this year, and Apple as soon as 2026.

Meanwhile, Meta recently confirmed it’s expanding its partnership with Ray-Ban Meta-maker EssilorLuxottica to create Oakley-branded smart glasses, expected to launch today, June 20th.

Online Dating Company Announces $20M Annual Fund to Accelerate “virtual intimacy” Startups

March 3, 2025 From roadtovr

Social Discovery Group, the company behind Dating.com and DateMyAge.com, announced it’s launched a venture studio that aims to “transform virtual intimacy into the new normal” by backing early-stage startups in AI-powered communication, XR advancements, and social discovery platforms.

Called SDG Lab, the group has pledged an annual investment of $20 million by providing a “straightforward” fundraising process, wherein entrepreneurs can secure seed funding for product development and additional capital for scaling.

SDG Lab’s most notable investments include virtual dating platform ‘VR Chat&Date’, and niche-based dating apps Kiseki, Flure, and AstroLove.

Led by Alex Kudos, former CMO of Social Discovery Group, SDG Lab is also providing startups building social discovery and connection technologies with resources, such as legal assistance, back-office support, tech infrastructure, and marketing expertise.

“Social interaction is evolving, and digital intimacy is the next frontier,” said Alex Kudos, CEO of SDG Lab. “At SDG Lab, we’re not just funding ideas—we’re co-creating the future of human connection. By investing in and partnering with bold entrepreneurs, we are building technologies that make meaningful relationships possible, no matter where people are in the world.”

“Virtual relationships and AI-driven connections are no longer science fiction—they are a fundamental part of our digital lives,” added Kudos. “SDG Lab is building the next generation of products that will shape how people connect, engage, and build relationships online.”