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 significant milestone marks a major step forward for the company as it continues to push the boundaries of augmented reality (AR) innovation.
Founded at the end of 2014, Consonance Microlight has taken a focused approach in the AR industry, concentrating on optical display technology rather than attempting to build an entire industrial chain. According to CEO Zheng Zheng, optical display is the most critical and challenging component of the AR ecosystem. Unlike other players that aim for broad-scale deployment, Consonance is dedicated to developing high-quality optical engines that can power next-generation AR devices.
Optical display plays a crucial role in the user experience of AR devices. Traditional solutions have struggled with issues like weight and opacity, making it difficult to meet consumer expectations. Both big tech companies and startups are searching for a breakthrough that could unlock the potential of consumer-grade AR — a solution akin to the "original iPhone" for the industry.
Optical waveguide technology is seen as a promising path forward. Unlike prisms or free-form optics, waveguides allow for thinner, lighter designs while delivering clear images across wide field-of-view angles. Consonance has already made progress, providing stable production of its AW60 optical engine and the Mini-Glass reference prototype. With this technology, AR glasses can be designed to look and feel like regular eyewear, making them more appealing to consumers.
The AR optics sector is still in its early stages, with high barriers to entry due to the complexity of both technological development and manufacturing. Consonance has been working closely with AR equipment manufacturers globally, focusing on B-end markets. The company plans to scale up production of its optical engines in 2018 and launch new products, aiming to eventually bring AR glasses to the consumer market.
The AR industry is showing signs of a coming revolution. Major players like Apple, through its supplier Quanta Computer, are reportedly developing AR devices based on optical waveguide technology. Meanwhile, Magic Leap recently launched its Magic Leap One, signaling strong interest in the space. For many, 2018 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for AR.
Zheng Zheng, CEO of Consonance, emphasized that optical waveguide technology is the foundation of consumer AR displays. After overcoming several technical hurdles, the company’s upcoming products will meet the demands of the first generation of consumer AR devices in terms of cost, size, and visual quality. Looking ahead, the integration of optical waveguides with micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) could further enhance AR performance. Additionally, digital light-field technology based on waveguides may solve the issue of visual convergence adjustment, which is a key challenge for user comfort.
Sun Qian, a partner at Sequoia Capital China Fund, highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the AR hardware space. While building a mature supply chain and advancing optical technology are essential, he remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the sector. He noted that many successful companies have emerged in this field over the past decade, and there are still vast opportunities for those who can lead the way.
Consonance's core R&D team comes from prestigious institutions such as Peking University and Tsinghua University's Optical Laboratory, with extensive industry experience. Following its Series A funding, the company plans to invest heavily in R&D, product improvements, and setting up its own production lines. It also aims to strengthen its talent pool by hiring and training skilled professionals.
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