TL;DR
EssilorLuxottica has officially acquired Lynx, a French XR hardware startup, including its IP and most of its team. The move follows Lynx’s financial struggles and the company’s pending unreleased R2 mixed reality headset. The acquisition could impact Lynx’s product plans and XR strategy.
EssilorLuxottica has completed a formal acquisition of French XR startup Lynx, including its intellectual property, assets, and most of its team, according to Lynx founder and CEO Stan Larroque. The deal, confirmed in a public email and to Road to VR, was rumored to have finalized approximately two weeks ago and signals a significant shift for the company’s future, especially regarding its unreleased R2 mixed reality headset.
In the email, Larroque stated that all IP, assets, and most of the team are now transitioning from Lynx to EssilorLuxottica, a global eyewear giant with a growing interest in XR and smart glasses. Larroque also mentioned that it might take a few months for operations to stabilize due to ongoing legal processes. The acquisition includes the name, domain, databases, code, 3D files, and manufacturing know-how.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, the timing appears to be strategic, as Lynx’s parent company, SL Process, recently entered judicial liquidation following failed restructuring efforts. Lynx had gained attention with its 2021 Kickstarter campaign for the R1 headset and a $4 million Series A round in 2022, though its overall funding remained modest for hardware development. The company’s upcoming R2 headset, announced earlier this year, remains unreleased, and its future under EssilorLuxottica is uncertain, especially given the company’s close partnership with Meta and the focus on Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses.
Implications for XR Hardware and Market Strategy
This acquisition indicates EssilorLuxottica’s increased commitment to XR technology, potentially integrating Lynx’s hardware or IP into its existing product lines. It also suggests a strategic move away from standalone headsets like Lynx-R2, especially given the company’s partnerships with Meta. For consumers and industry watchers, this signals a possible shift in how XR hardware and smart glasses will evolve under the conglomerate’s umbrella, possibly prioritizing eyewear-based AR over standalone devices.
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Lynx’s Rise and Financial Challenges Before Acquisition
Founded in 2019, Lynx quickly gained attention with its first-generation R1 headset, raising over $800,000 on Kickstarter. Despite this early success, the company faced financial hurdles, raising only around $6 million total, which is modest for hardware development. In 2022, Lynx secured a $4 million Series A, led by social VR platform developer Somnium Space. However, ongoing financial difficulties culminated in the parent company’s liquidation earlier this year, leaving Lynx’s future uncertain until the recent acquisition by EssilorLuxottica.
“All the IP, assets and most of the team is now transitioning from a startup to this big company.”
— Lynx founder and CEO Stan Larroque
Future of Lynx-R2 and XR Product Line
It remains unclear what will happen to Lynx’s unreleased R2 headset following the acquisition. There has been no official statement about whether the product will be canceled, rebranded, or integrated into other offerings under EssilorLuxottica. Additionally, the company’s strategic direction regarding standalone XR headsets versus eyewear-based AR remains uncertain.
Next Steps for Lynx Assets and XR Strategy
In the coming months, EssilorLuxottica is expected to finalize legal and operational integration, potentially revealing plans for Lynx’s IP and team. Watch for official statements about Lynx’s product roadmap, especially regarding the R2 headset. The company may also explore integrating Lynx’s technology into its existing smart eyewear portfolio or developing new XR products aligned with its strategic vision.
Key Questions
What does the acquisition mean for Lynx’s R2 headset?
It is currently unclear whether the R2 will be released, canceled, or rebranded under EssilorLuxottica. No official statement has been made about its future.
Why did EssilorLuxottica acquire Lynx?
The acquisition likely aims to bolster EssilorLuxottica’s XR and smart eyewear portfolio, leveraging Lynx’s IP, team, and technological assets to expand its presence in augmented reality hardware.
Will Lynx continue as an independent brand?
It is unlikely, given the transfer of all assets and team to EssilorLuxottica. The future branding and product strategy will depend on the conglomerate’s plans.
How does this affect the XR market overall?
This move signals increased consolidation and investment in XR by major eyewear companies, potentially shifting focus toward integrated AR glasses rather than standalone headsets.
When will we see new products from Lynx under EssilorLuxottica?
There are no official timelines yet; expect updates after the legal and operational integration process concludes, likely within the next few months.
Source: Road to VR
