Within a year, Deepnight secured approximately $4.6 million in contracts from the federal government and companies like Sionyx and SRI International. The startup also raised $5.5 million in funding led by Initialized Capital, with contributions from notable angels, including the scientist whose paper inspired their technology. Deepnight's software can be integrated with various hardware, such as goggles, military helmets, and other products, allowing for widespread application across industries like automotive, security, and maritime. Their solution relies on affordable, off-the-shelf smartphone cameras, eliminating the need for expensive bespoke hardware.
Key takeaways:
- Deepnight was founded by Lucas Young and Thomas Li, who leveraged their backgrounds in computational photography and AI to create digital night vision technology.
- The startup's breakthrough came from realizing that AI accelerators on System on Chips (SoCs) had advanced enough to support real-time low-light imaging at 90 frames per second.
- Deepnight's initial success included securing a $100,000 contract from the US Army based on a smartphone app prototype and subsequently raising $5.5 million in funding.
- The company's software-based approach allows for integration with various hardware, making it versatile for applications in automotive, security, drones, and more, using affordable smartphone cameras.