Aira is a technology company dedicated to enhancing accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision by providing on-demand visual interpretation services. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible through visual interpreting. The company's services are available 24/7/365, connecting users with professional interpreters via the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, facilitating efficient communication and task accomplishment.
Key Strategic Focus
Aira's strategic focus centers on delivering real-time, human-to-human assistance to enhance the independence and autonomy of individuals with visual impairments. The company specializes in providing visual information through remote assistance, enabling users to navigate their environments, access information, and perform daily tasks with greater ease. Aira's services are utilized by individuals, employees, students, and customers across various organizations, including airports, banks, universities, and major corporations.
Financials and Funding
As of April 2020, Aira had raised a total of $35.5 million in funding over multiple rounds. The company's latest funding round was a debt financing of $1.16 million in April 2020. Notable investors include ARCH Venture Partners, Arboretum Ventures, Bock Family Ventures, and Bose Ventures.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Aira's technological platform combines wearable smart glasses and an augmented reality dashboard to provide real-time visual interpretation services. Users can connect with certified agents who see the user's surroundings through their smartphone camera, enabling them to assist with tasks such as navigation, reading, and recognizing faces. The company's proprietary technologies include the Horizon Kit, a pair of smart glasses designed specifically for Aira's services, and a robust platform that ensures secure and efficient communication between users and agents.
Leadership Team
- Troy Otillio: Chief Executive Officer & Chairman
- Vinu Somayaji: Chief Technology Officer
- Kevin Phelan: Vice President of Communications
- Christine Ha: Advisor
- Mark Riccobono: Advisor
These leaders bring a wealth of experience in technology, communications, and accessibility, driving Aira's mission to enhance independence for individuals with visual impairments.
Competitor Profile
Aira operates in the assistive technology industry, focusing on providing visual interpretation services for individuals with visual impairments. The market is characterized by a growing demand for innovative solutions that enhance accessibility and independence. Key competitors include:
- Be My Eyes: Offers a free mobile app connecting blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers for visual assistance.
- Envision: Provides AI-powered smart glasses and a mobile app that assist with reading, recognizing faces, and identifying objects.
- OrCam: Develops wearable devices that use AI to provide real-time audio descriptions of the visual world.
These companies, along with Aira, contribute to a competitive landscape focused on leveraging technology to improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Aira has established significant partnerships to expand its services and enhance accessibility. Notable collaborations include:
- Starbucks: Nationwide launch of Aira services in all Starbucks locations, providing customers with visual impairments access to on-demand visual interpretation.
- Airports and Transportation Systems: Implementation of Aira services in over 50 airports and transportation systems, facilitating independent navigation for travelers with visual impairments.
- Educational Institutions: Deployment of Aira services in over 20 colleges and universities, supporting students with visual impairments in their academic pursuits.
- Major Corporations: Partnerships with companies such as Amazon, Bank of America, Target, TD Bank, and Wegmans Grocery Stores to provide Aira services to employees and customers.
- State Governments: Collaboration with the States of Colorado and Alabama to offer Aira services, enhancing accessibility for residents with visual impairments.
Operational Insights
Aira's strategic partnerships and technological innovations position the company as a leader in the assistive technology industry. By focusing on real-time, human-to-human assistance, Aira differentiates itself from competitors that rely solely on AI-driven solutions. The company's commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, as reflected in its core values, further strengthens its market position.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Aira aims to expand its services to additional regions and industries, furthering its mission to make the world more accessible. The company plans to leverage advancements in technology to enhance its platform, improve user experience, and develop new features that address the evolving needs of individuals with visual impairments. By continuing to foster strategic partnerships and focusing on innovation, Aira is well-positioned to drive growth and make a meaningful impact in the accessibility landscape.
Contact Information
- Website: aira.io
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/aira
