Lighthouse Tech, the startup developing smart eyewear to enable independent navigation for the blind and visually impaired, has won the Venture Kick award of CHF 150,000. The funds will fuel the startup’s market launch.
Blind and visually impaired individuals often rely on white canes for navigation. While this tool is effective at detecting obstacles on the ground or at low heights, it does not protect objects above waist level, leading to potential collisions. This limitation increases physical risks and can affect the independence and confidence of low-vision individuals, contributing to social isolation and additional costs for medical care or personal assistance.
Lighthouse Tech has developed smart eyewear combining technology and style to help the blind and people with low vision navigate safely. The company integrates a powerful obstacle detection technology in a fashion eyewear frame that complements the white cane by detecting obstacles above ground level. The device alerts users through gentle haptic vibrations, enhancing safety and mobility when used alongside a cane, thereby improving the overall navigation experience.
Approximately 50 million individuals worldwide are blind or visually impaired—a figure projected to rise significantly due to ageing populations. Additionally, modern lifestyles—particularly the increased use of smart devices from an early age—are exacerbating this trend. Lighthouse Tech’s innovation positions the company to capture a substantial share of this rapidly expanding market, valued at over CHF 1 billion globally.
The startup will use the CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to strengthen its sales team in preparation for market entry in Q1 2025. Additionally, the Medtech startup aims to attend three specialized trade shows and visit distribution partners in key target markets (DACH and Italy). Part of the funding will also be allocated to enhancing its social media presence and engaging with the online community of blind individuals or vision impaired.
Behind Lighthouse Tech is an experienced team comprising the founder and CEO Franco Burlando, CTO and electronics engineer Andrea Moroni Stampa, and COO Nathan Deutsch. The three are veterans in the optical and eyewear industry with 35+ years of experience.
“We, as a team, are deeply grateful to Venture Kick for playing a pivotal role in our startup’s growth and development. The structured program was instrumental in refining our business model, sharpening our go-to-market strategy, and enhancing our pitch to investors,” stated Franco Burlando. “Additionally, the essential funding provided by Venture Kick had a profound impact on our progress towards market entry and long-term success. Venture Kick truly was a game-changer for Lighthouse Tech!”
(Press release/RAN)
Image: COO Nathan Deutsch, CEO Franco Burlando, and CTO Andrea Moroni Stampa
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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