Lunewave Accelerates Commercialization with $7M Funding Round
Arizona-based startup Lunewave has secured $7 million in new funding to advance its breakthrough radar technology for autonomous vehicles. The investment round was led by Proeza Ventures, with participation from Blue 9 Capital, Tsingyuan Ventures, and Intact Ventures.
Cutting-Edge Radar Technology for AVs
Lunewave’s innovative 3D-printed Luneburg lens radar system offers several key advantages:
- Superior performance: Broad bandwidth and high gain capabilities
- 360° coverage: Two sensors can replace 20 conventional radar units
- Enhanced detection: 6x better resolution than current systems
- All-weather reliability: Consistent performance in adverse conditions
“We’re on the verge of establishing formal partnerships to commercialize our product,” revealed CEO and co-founder John Xin. “By Q1 2021, we expect to announce a strategic collaboration with a global Tier 1 supplier.”
Strategic Growth and Industry Validation
The funding will support:
- Expansion of product development and sales teams
- Continued refinement of radar technology
- Development of both “a-dash” systems and Level 3-5 autonomous solutions
- Growth in industrial vehicle applications
Rodolfo Elias Dieck of Proeza Ventures commented: “ADAS and AV systems are becoming standard, creating strong demand for advanced radar solutions like Lunewave’s.”
Leadership and Industry Expertise
The investment brings notable automotive veterans to Lunewave’s board:
- Peter Schwarzenbacher: Former BMW director
- James Zizelman: Former Delphi executive and current Stoneridge Control Devices president
Zizelman praised the technology: “Lunewave’s solution offers superior technical capabilities while reducing costs through sensor consolidation.”
The Future of Autonomous Sensing
Lunewave’s technology addresses critical challenges in autonomous vehicle perception:
- 180° horizontal field of view
- Long-range detection in poor weather conditions
- Sensor fusion compatibility for enhanced safety
As Xin notes: “While the industry debates sensor philosophies, we believe in comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to become the premier radar provider for next-generation mobility.”
