Mentra Raises $8M for Smart Glasses OS
Stanford spinout Mentra has raised $8 million in seed funding led by Kleiner Perkins to build an operating system for smart glasses. The startup is developing software that transforms augmented reality glasses into practical consumer devices, with backing from Meta Reality Labs, Samsung Ventures, a16z, and Pioneer Fund.
The company's platform addresses a critical challenge in AR adoption: making smart glasses useful for everyday activities rather than specialized applications. While hardware manufacturers have focused on display technology and form factor, Mentra is building the software layer that manages notifications, apps, and user interactions.
"We're creating the iOS moment for smart glasses," said CEO Nishesh Urs, who previously worked on AR projects at Apple. "The hardware is getting there, but nobody has figured out the user experience."
The platform uses contextual AI to determine what information to display and when. Rather than overwhelming users with constant notifications, Mentra's system learns patterns and shows relevant data based on location, calendar, and activity. A morning commute might surface transit updates and news headlines, while a grocery store visit could display shopping lists and price comparisons.
Early testing with 500 beta users shows average daily usage of 4 hours, significantly higher than previous AR platforms. Users particularly value hands-free navigation, real-time translation, and contextual reminders that appear in their field of view.
"Smart glasses will replace smartphones, but only if the software experience is 10x better," Urs explained. "That means being more helpful while being less intrusive."
The company is working with three undisclosed hardware manufacturers to integrate its platform into upcoming smart glasses launches. Unlike existing AR systems that require custom app development, Mentra automatically adapts existing mobile apps for heads-up display, making thousands of applications immediately available.
The technical approach involves edge computing on the glasses themselves rather than constant cloud processing. This reduces latency, improves battery life, and addresses privacy concerns about always-on cameras and microphones. The system processes visual data locally and only transmits necessary information to paired devices.
Mentra's seed funding will expand the engineering team and accelerate partnerships with hardware manufacturers. The company plans to launch its first consumer product in Q4 2025, coinciding with new smart glasses releases from major tech companies.
The timing aligns with renewed industry interest in AR glasses following Apple's Vision Pro launch. While Apple focused on high-end mixed reality, Mentra targets lightweight glasses that people can wear all day without social stigma or physical discomfort.
"The biggest barrier to AR adoption isn't technology—it's social acceptance," noted Hirani, who leads platform development. "Our software makes smart glasses feel like a natural extension rather than a computer on your face."
The global smart glasses market is projected to reach $33 billion by 2027, driven by improvements in display technology and battery life. However, analysts note that software and user experience remain the primary challenges for mainstream adoption.
Kleiner Perkins partner Mamoon Hamid, who led the investment, sees parallels to early smartphone development. "The hardware is reaching an inflection point, but success requires an operating system designed specifically for this form factor. Mentra understands that AR isn't about porting desktop interfaces to glasses."
Competition includes established players like Google, which recently revived its smart glasses project, and Magic Leap's pivot to enterprise markets. However, Mentra's focus on consumer software and third-party hardware partnerships offers a different path to market.
The company will use the funding to build developer tools and expand its beta program to 5,000 users ahead of the commercial launch. Early access partners include productivity apps, fitness platforms, and navigation services adapting their products for heads-up display.