The technology company Arkite, active in augmented reality technology that helps operators in production companies to work error-free, raises 1.5 million euros in a new capital round from LRM, the Limburg Investment Company. Existing shareholders, including Capricorn Venture Partners and Johan Smeyers, CEO of Arkite, also joined the capital round. With the raised capital, the young company wants to make the team grow strongly and expand into the European and Asian markets.

Arkite, with its headquarters at C-Mine Crib in Genk, develops and sells the Human Interface Mate (HIM), an augmented reality technology that assists production operators. The HIM technology uses a 3D sensor and a projector to inform and guide the operator in his work area during the production process. In addition to this guidance, the process steps that the operator carries out are also validated. “Thanks to HIM, an employee in a manufacturing company can perform complex operations with as much certainty as that of a robot. We want to use the coming period to further improve this interface and add new functions,” says Johan Smeyers, the CEO from Arkite.

Europe and Asia 

The new capital round took place under the leadership of LRM, the Limburg Investment Company. . Existing shareholders, including Capricorn Venture Partners and Johan Smeyers, CEO of Arkite, also joined the capital round. “In the competitive sector of Augmented Reality and Industry 4.0, Arkite distinguishes itself by having a strong commercial product on the market that is already being used by a number of leading customers in the manufacturing industry. We are delighted to support the continued growth of the company, “says Tom Aerts, Head of Smart Services & Manufacturing at LRM.

With the fresh capital Arkite wants to accelerate its international growth. “Arkite has customers in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany and China,” says Johan Smeyers. “We can count on a far-reaching interest from companies from Europe and Asia. We can use the extra financial resources to answer the questions of these customers.”

Since its launch in May 2016, the HIM, Human Interface Mate, has been used by many customers from various sectors such as the automotive and telecom sector, but also the pharmaceutical industry. Arkite is also expanding its partner network and has agreements with SAP, Merino and VARs and system integrators, among others.

Industry 4.0

LRM and Capricorn Venture Partners see a bright future for Arkite. “The company has launched an innovative product. With the expansion of its sales network, it can become an important Industry 4.0 player,” said Marc Lambrechts, Senior Investment Manager at Capricorn Venture Partners. The Arkite team, with it’s headquarters in C-Mine Crib in Genk, will grow from 20 to 30 people in 2020.