After months of speculation, RealSense has completed the process, with RealSense officially spinning out from Intel. This milestone further propels the company’s mission of improving stereoscopic imaging technology and overall visual experiences. Led by CEO Nadav Orbach, RealSense now operates independently after developing innovative imaging solutions for 14 years while under Intel’s umbrella. The spinout got a thumbs-up from former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, as well. It has already smartly closed its targeted $50 million Series A funding round, including strong participation by Intel Capital and several other strategic investors.
Stereoscopic imaging works by overlapping two photos of an object from slightly different perspectives. This technology generates an incredible feeling of immersion. RealSense has expanded its camera lineups by including infrared light capabilities, extending its range of functionalities and uses across many industries. It’s with robotics that the company has really carved out its niche, where accurate depth perception is often mission-critical.
Founder and CEO, Nadav Orbach, first developed the vision technology in 2011. Most recently in 2022, he became general manager for incubation and disruptive innovation at Intel. Last year, he relocated to San Francisco full-time, where he has since honed in on expanding RealSense’s capabilities. Orbach noted that during the early days of the company, he recognized the potential of 3D perception to become a significant trend.
“For me, it was exciting, to be honest,” – Nadav Orbach
RealSense, under Orbach’s leadership, has looked into gesture recognition technologies useable on computers and mobile devices. Beyond the robotics, the company is now tackling expertise needs across many sectors, including aquaculture. For example, Orbach told us how fish farms are using RealSense cameras and AI to get an accurate count of how many fish they have in a given pen.
“The common denominator of all of them is they live in the real, physical world,” – Nadav Orbach
For Orbach, who was a first-time CEO, attracting funding for the largely independent venture proved difficult. He was able to share his experiences sitting on the “other side of the table” during the fundraising process. He referred to it as a humbling and exciting journey.
“I’m a veteran executive in the company, but it’s first time that I’m, you know, I was on the other side of the table. It was a very humbling experience for me as a first-time CEO to go and raise money,” – Nadav Orbach
RealSense becoming its own company marks an important step towards the company’s goal of being able to scale and implement its cutting-edge imaging technologies. As per the recent funding, this will help them expand their current product line and help diversify its applications. With its focus on depth perception and real-world applications, the company is well positioned for future developments in the military, healthcare, education and beyond.