gestigon – a Valeo Brand

Background

gestigon, established in September 2011 in Lübeck, Germany, specializes in developing software solutions for gesture recognition and body tracking based on 3D depth data. The company's mission is to revolutionize human-machine interaction by providing intuitive, touchless control systems across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), smart home technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In March 2017, gestigon was acquired by Valeo, a leading French automotive supplier, enhancing Valeo's capabilities in automated driving and human-machine interfaces. Post-acquisition, gestigon operates as part of Valeo's Brain Division, focusing on software development, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Key Strategic Focus

gestigon's strategic focus centers on advancing human-machine interfaces through innovative gesture recognition and body tracking technologies. The company specializes in:

Automotive Solutions: Developing in-cabin monitoring systems that enhance driver and passenger safety by detecting gestures, monitoring behavior, and assessing biometric features.

Consumer Electronics: Creating touchless control interfaces for devices, enabling intuitive user experiences without physical contact.

VR and AR Applications: Providing software that integrates with VR and AR headsets, allowing users to interact naturally within virtual environments.

By leveraging proprietary algorithms and sensor-agnostic software, gestigon targets markets that demand advanced, intuitive interaction solutions, particularly in the automotive sector.

Financials and Funding

Prior to its acquisition by Valeo, gestigon secured funding through several investment rounds:

Seed Funding (2012): Received initial investment from High-Tech Gründerfonds, Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Schleswig-Holstein, and local business angels.

Series A Financing (July 2015): Closed a Series A round led by NBR Technology Ventures GmbH, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds and Vorwerk Direct Selling Ventures.

Post-acquisition, gestigon's financials are integrated into Valeo's overall performance metrics.

Pipeline Development

gestigon's product development pipeline includes:

Gecko: A feature tracker that monitors individuals and measures biometric features.

Flamenco: Software for finger and hand gesture control.

Carnival SDK: Software development kit for AR and VR applications, enabling users to see and use their hands in virtual interfaces.

These products are at various stages of development and integration, with ongoing enhancements to improve functionality and user experience.

Technological Platform and Innovation

gestigon's technological platform is distinguished by:

Proprietary Algorithms: Utilizing self-organizing maps for efficient and accurate gesture and body part recognition.

Sensor-Agnostic Software: Compatible with various 3D sensors, including time-of-flight cameras, stereo cameras, and structured light systems.

Real-Time Processing: Enabling immediate interpretation of gestures and movements for seamless user interaction.

These innovations position gestigon as a leader in developing intuitive, touchless control systems across multiple industries.

Leadership Team

Key executives at gestigon include:

Frank Wippich: Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Dirk Strothmann: Managing Director

Dirk Hansen: Chief Software Engineer

Andre Petters: Head of Finance

Their combined expertise drives gestigon's strategic initiatives and technological advancements.

Leadership Changes

Since its acquisition by Valeo in 2017, gestigon has experienced leadership transitions, including the departure of co-founders Sascha Klement and Moritz von Grotthuss in 2019.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for gesture recognition and body tracking technologies is expanding, driven by increasing demand for intuitive human-machine interfaces in automotive, consumer electronics, and VR/AR sectors. Key trends include:

Automotive Industry: Integration of gesture control systems to enhance driver safety and convenience.

Consumer Electronics: Adoption of touchless interfaces in devices for improved user experiences.

VR/AR Applications: Development of immersive environments requiring natural interaction methods.

Competitor Analysis

gestigon's primary competitors include:

Continental: Develops technologies for connected mobility, including advanced driver assistance systems.

DENSO: Manufactures automotive components with a focus on safety and automation.

Forvia (formerly Faurecia): Offers automotive products across multiple segments, including electronics and interiors.

Aptiv: Designs and manufactures vehicle components, providing electrical, electronic, and active safety solutions.

These companies invest heavily in research and development to advance human-machine interface technologies, contributing to a competitive landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

gestigon has engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance its technological offerings:

Inuitive Partnership (2015): Collaborated with 3D computer vision and image processor developer Inuitive to create a VR unit, presented at CES 2016.

Such collaborations have bolstered gestigon's capabilities in delivering advanced gesture recognition solutions.

Operational Insights

As part of Valeo's Brain Division, gestigon benefits from Valeo's extensive resources and global reach. This integration allows gestigon to:

Leverage Valeo's Infrastructure: Access to Valeo's manufacturing facilities and distribution networks.

Enhance R&D Capabilities: Collaboration with Valeo's research centers to accelerate innovation.

Expand Market Presence: Utilize Valeo's established relationships with automotive manufacturers to introduce gestigon's technologies.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

gestigon is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Automotive Industry Growth: Increasing demand for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles presents opportunities for gestigon's in-cabin monitoring solutions.

Consumer Electronics Expansion: Rising interest in touchless interfaces for devices opens new markets for gestigon's technologies.

VR/AR Market Development: Growth in VR and AR applications creates demand for natural interaction methods, aligning with gestigon's product offerings.

By leveraging its technological strengths and Valeo's global presence, gestigon is well-positioned to advance its mission of revolutionizing human-machine interaction.