Keiretsu Forum

All-new HaptX Gloves G1 delivers best-in-class haptics in lightweight, mobile package

Redmond, WA, USA, October 25, 2022 – HaptX Inc., the leading provider of realistic haptic technology, today announced the availability of pre-orders of the company’s new HaptX Gloves G1, a ground-breaking haptic device optimized for the enterprise metaverse.

HaptX has engineered HaptX Gloves G1 with the features most requested by HaptX customers, including improved ergonomics, multiple glove sizes, wireless mobility, new and improved haptic functionality, and multiplayer collaboration, all priced as low as $4,500 per pair – a fraction of the cost of the award-winning HaptX Gloves DK2.
“With HaptX Gloves G1, we’re making it possible for all organizations to leverage our lifelike haptics,” said Jake Rubin, Founder and CEO of HaptX. “Touch is the cornerstone of the next generation of human-machine interface technologies, and the opportunities are endless.”

HaptX Gloves G1 leverages advances in materials science and the latest manufacturing techniques to deliver the first haptic gloves that fit like a conventional glove. The Gloves’ digits, palm, and wrist are soft and flexible for uninhibited dexterity and comfort. Available in four sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large), these Gloves offer the best fit and performance for all adult hands. Inside the Gloves are hundreds of microfluidic actuators that physically displace your skin, so when you touch and interact with virtual objects, the objects feel real.
To create the Gloves’ realistic haptic feedback, a lightweight, wireless Airpack generates compressed air and precisely controls its flow. A sleek, quiet console, the Airpack can be worn comfortably on the body in backpack mode for room-scale applications or easily placed on a table for seated and standing applications. The Airpack delivers 3 hours of use on a single charge without connection to external air or power.

The HaptX Software Development Kit makes it easy for developers to bring realistic touch to their applications with HaptX Gloves G1. The HaptX SDK is optimized for enterprise and industrial use cases, offering plugins for Unreal Engine and Unity, as well as a C++ API. New features of the HaptX SDK include: advanced vibrotactile feedback for simulation of microscale surface textures; a ROS node that enables telerobotics operators to connect HaptX Gloves G1 to remote robots for natural, accurate control of robotic end effectors; and a ground-breaking haptic multiplayer feature, which allows multiple users to work in the same virtual environment and feel the same objects, regardless of physical location, vastly improving collaborative training, design reviews, and more.

HaptX is now accepting pre-orders for HaptX Gloves G1. Organizations can pre-order an individual pair of HaptX Gloves G1 for $5,495 or a bundle of all 4 sizes for only $4,500 per pair. HaptX plans to begin shipping HaptX Gloves G1 systems to customers in the third quarter of 2023. The company advises interested organizations to place a small deposit on their HaptX Gloves G1 systems now to establish a shipment priority date and lock in this discounted pre-order pricing.
“Too often, we see enterprise and industry leaders resort to using game controllers for interacting with business applications in the metaverse,” said Joe Michaels, Chief Revenue Officer of HaptX. “Organizations developing their metaverse strategy now have a solution for touch feedback so effective, their jobs can depend on it. With HaptX Gloves G1 priced this low, you don’t have to settle for controllers or hand-tracking.”

With HaptX Gloves G1, HaptX is introducing the HaptX Subscription program, a Hardware as a Service model that provides cost-effective, turn-key product deployment and support for enterprise customers. Each HaptX Subscription includes an Airpack, the HaptX SDK, and a comprehensive service and maintenance plan. Use of HaptX Gloves G1 requires a HaptX Subscription which starts at $495 per month.

Customers that pre-order HaptX Gloves G1 need only make a small deposit on the cost of the Gloves. At a date closer to the shipment of their HaptX Gloves G1 systems, customers will select glove sizes and subscription options. To pre-order HaptX Gloves G1 or for more information, visit haptx.com.

About HaptX

HaptX builds technology that simulates touch sensation with unprecedented realism. HaptX Gloves enable natural interaction and true-contact haptics in virtual reality and robotics for the first time. A venture-backed startup, HaptX is headquartered in Redmond, WA, with offices in San Luis Obispo, CA. Learn more at www.haptx.com.

Keiretsu Forum saw a 21% investment increase in 2021 as its members continued to power seed, late-stage, and early-stage companies.

SEATTLE, WA, May 10, 2022 – The Keiretsu Forum Northwest and Rockies regions within the world’s largest angel investing community, has announced its 2021 funding data. Angel investors in the Northwest & Rockies have invested more than $60 million in 93 companies across multiple sectors, surpassing all investment forecasts and making 2021 the most invested year to date.

“Keiretsu Forum continues its vibrant growth across our regions. Investors and entrepreneurs are benefiting from our unique footprint, disciplined process for originating quality deal flow, and success syndicating early and late-stage investment opportunities,” said Brianna McDonald, Keiretsu Forum Regional President.

According to Pitchbook's 2021 global annual figures, Keiretsu Forum in the U.S. invested in 167 companies, and the global network invested in 246 companies, bringing the total to over 380 fundings in the past year. In a year of economic and social uncertainty, angel investors have funded entrepreneurs and start-ups in one of the most challenging business environments in recent history.

“We continue to welcome expanded partnerships to benefit the Keiretsu Forum Network community. Despite the global disruptions, we are likely to see continued growth across all sectors in 2022,” continued McDonald. Keiretsu Forum has also expanded its international presence and is now represented in 24 countries across 4 continents.

2021 has been an incredible year for the Keiretsu Forum global network, with investments up 21% since 2020, and Life Sciences/MedTech, Fintech, and Technology attracting the most funding.

In 2021, Keiretsu Forum has backed the following companies and many more:

• AI Optics
• DigitSec
• E2C Technology
• Epilogue Systems
• Healionics
• Inmedix
• Joule Case
• Key Co Travel
• KitoTech Medical
• Light Line Medical
• LumiThera
• Lumoptik
• Orion Biotechnology
• Oticara
• Seneca Therapeutics
• Soteria Battery
• Steelhead Composites
• Summit Venture Studio
• Vartega
• VKTRY

About Keiretsu Forum Northwest & Rockies

Keiretsu Forum Northwest & Rockies is the Pacific Northwest portion of Keiretsu Forum. It includes chapters in Vancouver (Canada), Denver/Boulder, Bellevue, Seattle, Salt Lake City/Boise, and Portland. Keiretsu Forum Northwest & Rockies has more than 400 members and has invested over $500 million in over 775 companies since its founding in 2005.

For more information visit www.k4northwest.com

About Keiretsu Forum

Keiretsu Forum is a global investment community of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate/institutional investors. Keiretsu Forum was founded in 2000 by Randy Williams. Keiretsu Forum today is a worldwide network of capital, resources, and deal flow with 50+ chapters on four continents. Keiretsu Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. To date, it has invested in over 2,000+ companies. The community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities.

For more information visit www.keiretsuforum.com

Keiretsu Forum Global Investor Network Ranked #1 Angel Investor, U.S. Region, by The Angel Resource Institute 2020 HALO Report based on the number of deals - lauds Keiretsu Forum’s leadership presence for both entrepreneurs and investors in key, localized markets.

Keiretsu Forum is known by investors and entrepreneurs alike for its proven approach for originating quality deal flow and success in syndicating early and late-stage investment opportunities around the world.  According to the report, “This year Keiretsu Forum’s participation put them in the top position nationwide for a number of deals in 2020. They also have many chapters across the country – with direct leadership in each region.” 2020 was a banner year for Keiretsu Forum, with the organization achieving a record 300 + fundings (including follow-on fundings) into seed, early-stage, and late-stage companies in 2020. Deal activity increased approximately 16% compared to 2019. Keiretsu Forum deal flow and fundings continue to be diverse and across all technology sectors, prop-tech and Real Estate. Life Science, Medical Devices, Environmentally Sensitive/Aware; and solution-driven Technologies attracted a significant amount of capital.

Keiretsu Capital, the exclusive worldwide fund partner of Keiretsu Forum, continues to be a top-tier funder of late-stage investment deals in the network. The 2020 Halo Report is based on an analysis of 2,198 transactions completed in 2020. The focus of the report primarily focused on Seed and Series A companies. These transactions represented a total of  $4.617B invested, of which $2.84B is clearly Seed or Pre-Seed, and $1.024B is Series A, A1, or a convertible note leading to a Series A. In addition to industry growth in general, the 2020 HALO report pointed to the increasing spread of investors across the US, and the need for angel groups to accommodate investors in those areas. Keiretsu Forum, which has recently launched a number of regional and localized chapters in emerging markets, now boasts 50+ chapters on four continents.

About The Angel Resource Institute (ARI)

Founded in 2005, The Angel Resource Institute (ARI) is a charitable organization devoted to increasing the effectiveness and availability of financial and mentor capital to entrepreneurs. The organization provides education, training, and information on best practices related to the earliest stages of angel investing and new venture development. Through its core competencies of research, data collection and analysis, ARI develops educational workshops, white papers, and toolkits for angel investors, entrepreneurs, and the entire startup community. The founders of the Angel Resource Institute include leading angel investors and entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

About Keiretsu Forum

Keiretsu Forum is a global investment community of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate/institutional investors. Keiretsu Forum was founded in 2000 by Randy Williams. Keiretsu Forum today is a worldwide network of capital, resources, and deal flow with 50+ chapters on four continents. Keiretsu Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. To date, it has invested over $900 million in 2000+ companies. The community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities.

Keiretsu Forum Northwest is delighted to be recognized by several major news source publications for their 2015 accomplishments. As a collective, Keiretsu Forum Norwest region oversaw the funding of 57 companies with over $43.5 Million in angel investing. We are honored by the recognition of this accomplishment and grateful to the following news sources for their coverage of our success. Check out the articles featuring the Kieretsu Forum Northwest investment collective.  

Seattle Times

GeekWire

Xconomy

Business Journal