HapWare, a US-based assistive technology startup, has raised $1.5 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round led by Adaptation Ventures. The round also included participation from Sidecut Ventures, Mines Venture Fund, Avesta Fund, The Pitch Fund, and other investors.
Founded in 2025, HapWare is led by co-founders Jack Walters, CEO, and Dr. Bryan Duarte, CTO. The Colorado-based company develops wearable technology designed to make nonverbal communication more accessible to people who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind.
Its flagship product, ALEYE, is a haptic wristband that translates visual communication cues into distinct vibration patterns. The system connects to Meta smart glasses or smartphone cameras to identify facial expressions, gestures, and body language, allowing users to receive tactile feedback during social interactions.
HapWare plans to use the funding to support the commercial launch and distribution of ALEYE in the United States, alongside broader efforts to reach international users. The company is accepting preorders ahead of its planned commercial launch in 2027.
The fundraising announcement coincided with ALEYE being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Accessibility category. The recognition highlights the wearable’s approach to communicating visual social cues through touch.
HapWare participated in the Techstars San Diego accelerator programme in 2025. The company is also exploring applications for its haptic technology beyond visual accessibility, including tools for neurodivergent users and software developers.
