Afference raised USD 1.5 million in a funding round led by Konvoy. Funds will be used to advance its neural interface platform named Phantom.

Phantom is a wearable device that fits around the user's fingers and wrist. Instead of relying on pressure, Phantom utilizes electrical signals to convey sensations on the skin, which are then interpreted by the brain. The device can connect to any spatial computing platform, including virtual and mixed reality devices, via Bluetooth. The company anticipates releasing development kits for Phantom in early 2024.

Afference, launched in 2022 and led by a team of neural engineers, focuses on the creation of a neural interface platform to be used with VR, AR, and MR devices, allowing greater user immersion.

Analyst QuickTake: Afference is set to pitch its product at the AWE Start-up Pitch Competition in October 2023. The competition sees a group of finalists in the XR industry being judged by a panel to see if they are eligible to win the Auggie Award title of “Start-up To Watch.” The funding raised showcases confidence in the company’s solutions, with the chance for the company to garner additional investor interest via the competition.