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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.
Why the Oculus Team’s Move Matters
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.
What Is Sesame Building?
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
Who’s Backing 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.
What Sets Sesame Apart in the Smart Glasses Race?
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 Takeaway: Why Tech Watchers Should Care
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.
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