On December 25, 2017, Ling Xiao Weiguang, a leading provider of AR optical display technology, announced the completion of its Series A funding round, securing tens of millions of yuan from Sequoia Capital China Fund. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company as it continues to push the boundaries of augmented reality (AR) innovation.
Consonance Microlight was founded at the end of 2014 with a clear focus on optical display technology, setting itself apart from larger tech companies that aim to build full-scale AR ecosystems. Instead, Consonance concentrates on the core component of AR devices—the optical engine. According to CEO Zheng Zheng, optical display is the missing link in the AR industry chain and holds the key to unlocking mass adoption.
One of the biggest challenges in AR technology is achieving a seamless user experience through optical displays. Traditional lenses are often bulky and obstructive, making it hard for AR devices to meet consumer expectations. Whether it's a global tech giant or a startup, the industry has been waiting for an affordable and efficient optical solution—what many call the "original iPhone" of AR.
Optical waveguide technology is seen as the future of consumer AR displays. Unlike conventional prisms or free-form optics, waveguides can be thinner while delivering wide field-of-view imaging. Consonance has already developed the AW60 optical engine and the reference prototype Mini-Glass, enabling AR device manufacturers to create glasses that look like regular eyewear.
The AR optics field is highly specialized, requiring breakthroughs in both technology and manufacturing. The industry lacks a solid theoretical foundation and established processes, meaning companies must start from scratch to build everything from design to custom tools. Consonance has partnered with both domestic and international AR equipment manufacturers, and plans to begin mass production of its optical engines in 2018. The company also aims to bring AR glasses to the consumer market in the near future.
The AR market is heating up. Major players like Quanta Computer, a key supplier to Apple, are developing AR devices using optical waveguide technology. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, recently announced plans to build the world’s largest AR platform, while Magic Leap launched its new product, Magic Leap One. These developments suggest that 2018 will be a pivotal year for the entire AR industry.
Zheng Zheng, CEO of Consonance Microlight, emphasized that optical waveguide technology is the cornerstone of consumer AR display systems. After overcoming several technical hurdles, the company’s upcoming products are expected to meet the cost, size, and display requirements of the first generation of consumer AR devices. Looking ahead, the integration of optical waveguides with micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) could further enhance AR visuals. Additionally, digital light-field technology based on waveguides may solve the issue of visual convergence adjustment (VAC), which is a major challenge in AR usability.
Sun Qian, a partner at Sequoia Capital China Fund, highlighted the challenges of AR hardware, particularly the need for a mature supply chain and advanced optical technology. While balancing hardware and software development is difficult, he believes that core components in the hardware ecosystem hold immense value. Over the past five to ten years, numerous companies have emerged with massive valuations in this space, and there are still huge opportunities ahead. Sequoia is confident in Consonance’s first-mover advantage in core optical display technology.
Consonance’s R&D team is composed of experts from Peking University and Tsinghua University’s Optical Laboratory, with an average of over 20 years of industry experience. Following its Series A funding, the company plans to invest in cutting-edge research, product optimization, and the establishment of its own production lines. It will also focus on hiring and training top talent to drive future growth.
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