Gauzy, Global Leader in Vision and Light Control Solutions, Raises $60M and Acquires Vision Systems

[Tel-Aviv, Israel, Feb 8 2022] – Gauzy, Israeli based company, a world leader in light control nanotechnologies and electrical systems applicable to smart glass, has acquired France based Vision Systems, a flagbearer and leader in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and shading solutions for the aeronautic, land transport, and marine industries. The acquisition of Vision Systems by Gauzy makes the company a world leading provider of light control technologies, shading comfort management systems and ADAS solutions, from development through integration, across various industries.

This strategic endeavor is the culmination of a successful Round D of $60M, including notable follow-on and new investors. Amongst follow-on investors are the leader of this round IBEX, along with Olive Tree VC, Blue Red Partners, Waarde Capital, and Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY). New investors include Walleye Capital, 3A Capital, Klirmark, and Davidson Capital.

With this acquisition, Gauzy will offer diversified products, wider global availability, increased production capacity, and high end-market penetration. New to Gauzy’s product offering are ADAS technologies from the newly acquired industry leading Safety Tech entity, including camera based image analysis and monitoring systems, and innovative smart mirrors that are continuing to evolve from its legacy product to include light control elements, all applicable and personalized for private, public and industrial vehicles.

Gauzy is dedicated to continuing to develop the ADAS arena, integrating it’s trusted PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) and SPD (suspended particle devices) technologies into ADAS products and ecosystems. Light control technology can be used in ADAS to reduce visual obstructions such as glare on the road, create safety gates with instant on-demand privacy or transparency for public transport operators if there is a perceived threat, and for high contrast switchable transparent displays to communicate safety messages to the surrounding environment.

Gauzy will continue to offer its flagship light control enabling technologies, including nanoparticle interlayers and hardware, via its existing and continuously growing distribution channel of over 70 certified partners and extensive portfolio of professional customers.

Gauzy’s corporate profile now includes:

• • International subsidiaries on six continents
  • Product availability through direct fulfillment and a distribution channel of over 70 certified industrial partners
  • Five dedicated manufacturing sites
  • 14 global offices
  • Over 60 patents
  • 20 unique product categories
  • 480 employees globally
  • Servicing industry leading customers in over 50 countries

With almost $50M in revenues during FY 2021, Gauzy will continue to grow and work with leading brands in a variety of industries and for unique products. Included is the highly publicized nomination of Gauzy by LG Display to be integrated into its Transparent OLED stack, as recently displayed by Gauzy at IAA 2021 and CES 2022.
Combining the strengths of these companies, Gauzy is excited for a new era of growth, innovation, and opportunities.

Eyal Peso, Gauzy’s CEO says, “As leaders in material science, Gauzy is committed to innovation that matters. A core motivation for this strategic acquisition is diversification, most notably marked with Gauzy’s expansion into ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and APAS (advanced passenger assistance systems) products. Further advancing ADAS and APAS solutions to incorporate LCG® technologies from a system based approach addresses a growing demand for safety focused solutions in the transportation industry. We will be not only working towards systems that support drivers, but also passengers, occupants, and general users of our products across industries.”

Carl Putman, Vision Systems CEO adds, “This alliance gives rise to an international group, specialized in solutions that enhance safety and comfort in transportation and architecture. This strategy was made possible thanks to the innovative efforts made by both companies those last few years, and to the visionary management and strategic marketing approach. In addition, outstanding know-how in the field of nanomaterials combined with high-level expertise in integrating electronics and composite into complete systems, will enable the development of a range of customized products being the best-in-class on the market.”

Gauzy has an established customer base in built environments and various mobility divisions, strategically aligned with leading brands such as Avery Dennison and Hyundai, and chosen by customers such as LG Display, BMW, Texas Instruments, Gensler, Clestra Hausermann, and many more for light control technology needs. Vision Systems now brings to Gauzy the largest market share of cockpit shading solutions, and new core industries to service including private & commercial aviation, marine, railway, bus & coach, and motorhomes. Trusted customers in these industries include HondaJet, Airbus, Silver Arrow Marine, Fritzmeier, Prevost and a number of others.
Gauzy looks forward to continuing to serve its existing and growing portfolio of partners, customers and integrators with current and future products developed and manufactured with the combined expertise and know-how of ADAS and light control experts worldwide.