In a remarkable achievement, .lumen, the startup dedicated to enhancing the mobility of the blind and visually impaired, has raised €1 million from private investors in one day. This milestone follows an extraordinary pitch event where over 600 investors gathered to hear Cornel Amariei, CEO and founder of .lumen, present the company’s vision and innovative technology.
The high level of interest in .lumen’s investment opportunity was evident from the pitch event. With more than 600 investors attending, Cornel Amariei’s compelling presentation highlighted the transformative potential of .lumen’s Glasses for the Blind, which leverages Pedestrian Autonomous Driving (PAD AI) technology to replicate the functionalities of a guide dog. This groundbreaking approach to assistive technology has captivated the attention of investors, leading to the rapid achievement of the €1 million target.
The success of this funding round was facilitated by SeedBlink, the all-in-one equity management and investment platform. SeedBlink’s robust European infrastructure and comprehensive suite of services provided the ideal environment for .lumen to attract and secure investments efficiently. SeedBlink’s platform enables European tech companies to access, manage, and trade equity at all growth stages, streamlining the investment process and supporting companies like .lumen through each phase of their journey.
Cornel Amariei, CEO & Founder of .lumen, stated: “This record round on SeedBlink is a testament to the potential for innovation in Romania. Despite being ranked as the least innovative country in the EU by the official Innovation Scoreboard, we believe Romania can deliver life-changing innovations to the world. Thank you for sharing this belief!”
Ionut Patrahau, Managing Partner at SeedBlink, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Supporting startups like .lumen is a powerful act of faith in innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our modern economy. They challenge the status quo, push technological boundaries, and create solutions that improve lives. In the case of .lumen, their work goes beyond business; it touches the very essence of human dignity by empowering blind individuals with mobility and independence. Their impact is clear and immediate, transforming the lives of the blind. But let’s also look beyond the obvious. Your investment helps to build a legacy of progress and inclusivity that will benefit generations to come.”
.lumen’s journey is supported by key co-investors, including the European Innovation Council and Venture to Future Fund, which have contributed €4 million to the €5 million funding round. The funds raised will support .lumen’s strategic roadmap, including the limited-series launch in Q4 2024 and the entry into the USA market in Q4 2025. The company aims to sell 10,000 units by the end of 2026, bringing independence and safety to visually impaired individuals worldwide.
