MultiVu raises $7M to bring single-sensor 3D facial biometrics to smartphones

3D imaging startup MultiVu has raised $7 million in a seed funding round to develop its single-sensor and deep learning solution and bring it to market for biometric facial authentication, TechCrunch reports.

Crowdfunding platform OurCrowd led the funding round, along with Cardumen Capital and Junson Capital of Hong Kong. The funds will also be used for marketing and business development activities, according to the report.

MultiVu was co-founded by Tel Aviv University (TAU) Professor David Mendlovic, who previously founded smartphone camera company Corephotonics, which was recently acquired by Samsung. The university’s Technology Innovation Momentum Fund has supported the development of some of MultiVu’s core technology, which consists of 3D imaging with a single-lens camera instead of a two-sensor system. The technology is powered by patented light field technology, and generates depth with a single image. The setup is more compact and affordable, due to having fewer required components, TechCrunch says. The company plans to offer its technology for face authentication in smartphones and other small devices.

“The technology, which passed the proof-of-concept stage, will bring 3D Face Authentication and affordable 3D imaging to the mobile, automotive, industrial and medical markets,” MultiVu CEO Doron Nevo said. “We are excited to be given the opportunity to commercialize this technology.”

OurCrowd Senior Investment Partner Eli Nir says Nevo is a serial entrepreneur with proven success.

Technavio has predicted the 3D facial recognition market will grow by 36 percent from 2018 to 2022, and Sony has ramped up production of its chips for 3D cameras in anticipation of major 3D-imaging adoption.

Article Topics

3D face recognition  |  biometrics  |  investment  |  sensors  |  smartphones