Xavveo a startup develop radar sensors for AV, secures $8.6M

Press Release, November 5, 2024

Berlin-based Xavveo, a startup developing radar sensors for autonomous vehicle (AV), has raised $8.6M in seed funding in a round co-led by Vsquared Ventures and imec.xpand. This capital infusion will propel the development of Xavveo’s photonic distributed radar system, which is designed to enhance AV reliability and safety in all weather conditions. Additionally, the funds will support Xavveo’s growth, including expanding its engineering team and forging partnerships with automakers and technology integrators.

Autonomous vehicles face numerous challenges when navigating adverse weather conditions, and current sensors such as LIDAR and vision-based systems often fall short in detecting obstacles. Xavveo’s photonic radar, however, leverages Silicon Photonics to offer superior detection capabilities with angular resolution comparable to LIDAR but without the associated limitations. This innovative system enhances AVs’ ability to operate safely in complex environments, making them viable for a wider range of real-world scenarios.

Xavveo CEO Dr Sven Otte explained the company’s mission, “Autonomous vehicles (AVs) represent one of the most complex engineering challenges of our time. Once fully deployed, AVs will democratise mobility and significantly reduce carbon emissions. We are thrilled to have Vsquared and imec.xpand, two funds with a lot of expertise in the deep tech sphere, on board.”

Photonic radar tech securing the future of AVs with Silicon Photonics

Unlike traditional radar systems, Xavveo’s distributed photonic radar distributes sensors around the vehicle, creating a seamless 360° detection range that enables AVs to navigate with human-like precision. This Silicon Photonics-based radar system detects objects with accuracy within 0.1° and can penetrate adverse conditions such as fog, rain, and darkness, which often impair other sensor technologies. By resolving such limitations, Xavveo’s photonic radar technology aims to enable safe and effective AV deployment across diverse environments.

Michael Jobst, Director Principal at Vsquared Ventures, sees Xavveo’s radar system as a transformative force for AVs, “We are thrilled to back Xavveo and their game-changing approach to autonomous driving. Their distributed photonic radar system is set to become a critical enabler of the future of mobility, and we believe they have the talent and vision to bring this to the forefront of the industry.”

A seasoned team leading innovation

Xavveo was founded by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs with a background in Silicon Photonics and autonomous systems. Its leadership includes Dr Sven Otte and Dr Stefan Meister, co-founders of Sicoya, a successful Silicon Photonics firm, and Dr Ulrich Keil, an Intel veteran with extensive experience in hardware and software for autonomous systems. This leadership team is poised to push Xavveo’s pioneering technology forward, reshaping the future of autonomous driving with a solution that addresses current limitations.

Imec.xpand Principal Jonathan Fajardo Cortes emphasised the impact of Xavveo’s innovation, “Xavveo’s technology represents a monumental leap forward for autonomous vehicle perception, and we’re excited to support them as they scale this innovation. The combination of an exceptional team and groundbreaking technology is precisely what we look for in our investments.”

Broadening horizons for photonic radar

Beyond autonomous vehicles, Xavveo’s photonic radar technology has the potential to extend into other high-stakes sectors, such as industrial, defence, consumer, and medical markets, representing a $26B opportunity. As Xavveo builds relationships with industry leaders across these sectors, its photonic radar technology is positioned to transform a variety of fields where reliable, high-resolution detection is essential.

With this new funding and support from leading deep-tech investors, Xavveo is set to redefine safety and efficiency for autonomous systems. As the company scales its technology and expertise, its photonic radar promises to deliver a new level of precision to AVs, helping to make autonomous mobility safer and more widely accessible in the near future.