Laclarée Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Lyon, France, Laclarée specializes in developing adaptive eyeglasses designed to correct presbyopia—a condition affecting individuals over the age of 45, leading to difficulties in focusing on close objects. The company's mission is to restore natural, clear, and dynamic vision for presbyopes through innovative technology. By integrating opto-fluidic technology into eyewear, Laclarée aims to redefine the visual experience for millions worldwide.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specialization

Laclarée's primary objective is to address the limitations of existing presbyopia solutions, such as progressive lenses, by offering adaptive eyeglasses that provide clear vision at all distances without compromising aesthetics. The company specializes in opto-fluidic technology, enabling real-time adjustment of lens focus based on the user's viewing distance. This innovation targets the substantial market of presbyopes seeking enhanced visual comfort and functionality.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Laclarée has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to support its development:

• January 2025: Raised €3.5 million in a seed round, welcoming Rimonci Capital, a vision care-focused venture fund, alongside existing investors UI-Investissement and High-Tech GründerFonds (HTGF). This funding complements a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, totaling €6 million to advance product development.

• November 2019: Secured €2 million in a seed round with Kreaxi (France) and HTGF (Germany), including non-dilutive financing.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated towards:

• Advancing product development to achieve industrialization and market readiness.

• Conducting wearer tests to refine the product based on user feedback.

• Expanding the team with expertise in optics, electronics, materials, and microfluidics.

Pipeline Development

Product Development and Milestones

Laclarée is focused on bringing its adaptive eyeglasses to market:

• Prototype Development: Successfully developed a portable prototype combining adaptive lens technology with refractive correction lenses for astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia.

• Wearer Tests: Conducted trials demonstrating the benefits of the product, with positive feedback from presbyopic users.

• Commercial Launch: Aiming to introduce the first commercial product by mid-2026.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Laclarée's innovation centers on its patented opto-fluidic technology:

• Adaptive Lenses: Incorporates fluid-filled doublet lenses activated by low-power microfluidic actuators located in the eyeglass temples.

• Distance Sensing: Utilizes miniature infrared sensors to detect the distance between the user and the object, enabling real-time adjustment of the lens focus.

• Refractive Correction Integration: Combines adaptive lenses with necessary refractive corrections for hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia, tailored to individual prescriptions.

Scientific Methodologies

The technology is grounded in microfluidics and electrostatic actuation, allowing precise control of lens curvature and focus. This approach ensures a large field of view and transparency comparable to traditional ophthalmic lenses.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Bruno Berge, Ph.D.: Founder and Chief Executive Officer. A physicist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in optics and microfluidics.

• Sylvain Pont: Chief Financial Officer.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The presbyopia correction market is substantial, with over 400 million affected individuals in Europe, Japan, and North America. Traditional solutions like progressive lenses often leave users dissatisfied, creating a demand for innovative alternatives.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Deep Optics: Develops adaptive lenses using liquid crystal technology to adjust focus dynamically.

• Morrow Eyewear: Offers electronic glasses with adjustable focus, targeting presbyopia correction.

Both companies are venture capital-backed and focus on similar technological solutions for presbyopia.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborations

Laclarée collaborates with:

• Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon (INL): An academic partner providing expertise in nanotechnology and microfluidics.

• Minalogic and Lyon Biopôle: Members of these competitiveness clusters, facilitating access to resources and networks in microelectronics, photonics, and healthcare.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Laclarée's competitive advantages include:

• Innovative Technology: Proprietary opto-fluidic lenses offering real-time focus adjustment.

• User-Centric Design: Emphasis on aesthetics and comfort to meet consumer expectations.

• Strong Partnerships: Collaborations with leading research institutions and industry clusters.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Roadmap and Expansion

Laclarée plans to:

• Product Launch: Introduce the first commercial adaptive eyeglasses by mid-2026.

• Market Expansion: Target international markets with high presbyopia prevalence.

• Technology Enhancement: Continue R&D to refine product features and explore new applications.

Contact Information

Website

www.laclaree-vision.com

Social Media

• LinkedIn: Laclarée

• Twitter: @LaclareeVision

Headquarters

Lyon, France