Helsinki-Based Basemark Raises €22mn for AR Toolkit in Automotive Industry

Helsinki-based company Basemark has raised €22mn to bring its augmented reality (AR) “toolkit” to carmakers worldwide, with its AI-based computer vision system Rocksolid AR enabling carmakers to develop their own AR applications for Heads-up Displays (HUDs). The adoption of AR HUDs is gaining traction in the automotive industry as it significantly enhances situational awareness and overall driving safety. Basemark will utilize the fresh capital to expand its business with carmakers in Europe and the US and fund its international expansion to Japan, China, and South Korea, after securing its first series production deal with an OEM in the US last year.

Key Takeaways

• Helsinki-based Basemark secured €22mn to expand its Rocksolid AR software for AR Head-up Displays (HUDs) in cars.
• Unlike competitors, Basemark's toolkit allows carmakers to develop their own AR technologies, tailored to their specific needs.
• BMW previously partnered with Basemark to integrate AR technology into its iX models.
• The automotive industry is embracing AR HUDs as part of the Software Defined Vehicle trend, guiding the industry toward full autonomy.
• Basemark plans to use the funding to deepen its business with carmakers in Europe and the US, and expand internationally to Japan, China, and South Korea.

News Content

Basemark, a Helsinki-based company, has secured €22mn to introduce its augmented reality (AR) "toolkit" to global automakers. The software, Rocksolid AR, uses AI-based computer vision to aid carmakers in creating their own AR apps for Heads-up Displays (HUDs). AR HUDs, which project real-time driving guidance and alerts onto the windshield, are increasingly being adopted to enhance driver safety and situational awareness.

Unlike other companies in the field that sell AR software to manufacturers, Rocksolid AR functions as a toolkit tailored to assist carmakers in developing their own AR technologies. Basemark intends to utilize the funding to expand its business with carmakers in Europe and the US, as well as to support its international expansion to Japan, China, and South Korea. Moreover, the company's current investors include ETF Partners, Finnish Industry Investment (Tesi), Constructor Capital, Business Finland, and the European Innovation Council.

The adoption of AR HUDs is part of the automotive industry's advancement into advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Basemark has already secured a series production deal with an OEM in the US and aims to deepen its business with European and US carmakers, leveraging the technology's potential in the evolving automotive landscape.

Analysis

Basemark's €22mn funding and expansion into AR HUDs for automakers highlight the accelerating adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. The rise of AI-based Rocksolid AR signifies a strategic evolution towards enhancing driver safety and situational awareness. The toolkit's tailored approach and global expansion plans position Basemark as a significant player in shaping the future of AR technologies in the automotive industry. The short-term consequence includes potential market disruption and increased competition, while the long-term impact may lead to widespread integration of AR HUDs, redefining the driving experience. Basemark's move is a testament to the industry's pivoting towards innovative, AI-driven solutions for next-generation vehicles.

Do You Know?

• Basemark: Helsinki-based company specializing in augmented reality (AR) technology, recently secured €22mn in funding to introduce its Rocksolid AR toolkit to global automakers.

• Augmented Reality HUDs: Heads-up Displays (HUDs) that project real-time driving guidance and alerts onto the windshield, aimed at enhancing driver safety and situational awareness.

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Technologies designed to improve vehicle safety and driving experience, including features such as automated braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.