By futureTEKnow | Editorial Team
The world of wearable tech is buzzing again, and this time, it’s not just about VR headsets or AR overlays. Former Oculus co-founder Nate Mitchell has officially joined forces with ex-CEO Brendan Iribe and hardware architect Ryan Brown at Sesame, a stealthy smart glasses startup that’s now stepping into the spotlight. For anyone tracking the evolution of spatial computing and AI-powered wearables, this is a reunion worth watching closely.
When you hear the names Nate Mitchell and Brendan Iribe, you’re reminded of the early days of Oculus—a company that helped ignite the modern VR revolution before being acquired by Facebook (now Meta). Mitchell, who played a pivotal role in product development and VR strategy at Oculus, left Meta in 2019 as the last remaining founder. His next venture, Mountaintop Studios, was short-lived, but his return to hardware with Sesame signals a renewed focus on redefining how we interact with technology in daily life.
Sesame’s flagship project is a pair of lightweight smart glasses designed for all-day wear. But these aren’t just another take on AR glasses. The company is also developing an AI assistant that’s meant to be your persistent, context-aware digital companion—capable of “observing the world alongside you.” The promise? High-quality audio, seamless integration with your daily routines, and a device that feels more like a partner than a gadget.
“Designed to be worn all day, giving you high-quality audio and convenient access to your companion who can observe the world alongside you.” — Sesame
The startup isn’t just a reunion of Oculus talent; it’s also drawing support from some of the most influential names in tech investing. Sesame’s Series A round closed in November 2023 with $47.5 million raised, bringing total investment to over $57 million. Backers include Anjney Midha, Marc Andreessen (Andreessen Horowitz), Spark Capital, and Matrix Partners—many of whom were early supporters of Oculus.
Legacy of Execution: The founding team’s track record in bringing complex hardware to market is unmatched.
AI-First Approach: Instead of focusing solely on visual AR, Sesame is prioritizing AI-driven audio and contextual awareness, aiming for a more natural, always-available assistant.
Wearability: The emphasis is on comfort and all-day usability—addressing a key pain point for previous smart glasses attempts.
The convergence of AI and wearables is one of the most exciting frontiers in consumer tech. With veterans who helped shape the VR industry now turning their attention to smart glasses and AI companions, Sesame is positioned to influence not just what we wear, but how we interact with the digital world around us. As the company moves out of stealth and into the public eye, expect more details—and perhaps a new standard for what smart glasses can be.
Founded in 2018, futureTEKnow is a global database dedicated to capturing the world’s most innovative companies utilizing emerging technologies across five key sectors: Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive technologies (MR, AR, VR), blockchain, robotics, and the space industry. Initially launched as a social media platform to share technology news, futureTEKnow quickly evolved into a comprehensive resource hub, spotlighting the latest advancements and groundbreaking startups shaping the future of tech.
Genesis AI emerges from stealth with $105M to build a universal robotics foundation model, aiming to revolutionize general-purpose physical AI.
AI is transforming workplace decisions, with managers using it to determine promotions and firings. Here’s what you need to know about the risks and tools involved.
Zango AI launches from stealth with $4.8M funding, introducing AI agents that automate and simplify financial compliance for banks and fintechs.
Jeff Bezos-backed $88M methane-tracking satellite has gone silent after losing contact in June, impacting climate data.
MIT researchers use generative AI to optimize robot design, enabling higher jumps and safer landings. Learn how diffusion models are transforming robotics.
HemoLucence by Ocutrx lets surgeons see through blood in real time, using advanced 3D visualization for safer, more precise operations.
Pearson and Google are partnering to introduce AI-powered learning tools in classrooms, aiming to personalize education and enhance teaching with adaptive technology.
Daphne-AT is an advanced AI assistant designed to help astronauts independently manage emergencies in deep space, providing real-time analysis and actionable solutions when mission control is out of reach.
Xona Space Systems lands $75M to launch LEO satellites, promising next-gen GPS accuracy and reliability for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and critical infrastructure.
Alibaba’s GRAPE AI model detects stomach cancer from CT scans with higher accuracy than radiologists, offering a breakthrough in non-invasive early detection.
Geodesic Capital’s new $250M fund targets early-stage US startups in space and deep tech, fostering US-Japan innovation and strategic tech alliances.
Microsoft’s next-gen AI chip faces a major delay, now expected in 2026. Learn why design and staffing issues matter and how this impacts the AI hardware race.
futureTEKnow is focused on identifying and promoting creators, disruptors and innovators, and serving as a vital resource for those interested in the latest advancements in technology.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
