StretchSense, a developer of extended reality gloves for workplace training, has secured $2.34 million in a new investment round. The funding, led by PXN Ventures and supported by Scottish Enterprise, will accelerate the company's expansion in the immersive training market. This strategic investment aims to scale the adoption of its advanced motion capture technology across various high-stakes industries, including healthcare, aviation, and defence.
Advancing Immersive Training Solutions
The company's core offering, the XR Train glove, provides high-fidelity hand and finger tracking for realistic simulations. Utilizing proprietary stretch sensor technology and machine learning, the gloves enable natural, controller-free interaction within virtual environments. This technology is crucial for developing muscle memory and enhancing skill acquisition in complex, hands-on tasks.
StretchSense's gloves are designed to bridge the gap between human movement and digital worlds by incorporating haptic feedback to simulate touch. This feature allows users to feel interactions with virtual objects, creating a more effective and engaging learning experience. The technology supports scalable training programs that deliver intuitive interaction and measurable outcomes for enterprise and government clients.
Strategic Leadership and Global Operations
To steer its growth, StretchSense operates with a unique international structure, housing its hardware and manufacturing in New Zealand while its management and software teams are based in Edinburgh. This global footprint supports its development and market outreach efforts effectively. The company leverages expertise from both locations to innovate and deliver its cutting-edge products worldwide.
The company recently strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Chris Chapman as Chief Executive Officer. He is joined by Philip Jamison, formerly of Avantis Systems, who has taken on the role of Chief Revenue Officer. These appointments bring a wealth of global experience and a proven track record of delivery to guide StretchSense's expansion.
Investment to Fuel Expansion
The $2.34 million investment is the latest deal from PXN Ventures, a joint venture between Par Equity and Praetura Ventures. This new fund specifically targets promising startups in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the north of England. The investment underscores the confidence in StretchSense's potential to lead the burgeoning virtual reality training market.
Paul Munn, executive chair of PXN, expressed his support for the company's trajectory and its industry-leading glove technology. He highlighted that the new leadership is poised to power StretchSense forward as it scales its operations. This financial backing is critical for the company to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive training solutions.
A Vision for the Future of XR
Looking ahead to 2026, StretchSense is focused on scaling its XR training technology and further integrating physical interaction with virtual environments. CEO Chris Chapman stated that the gloves allow users to "step into the future" by removing clunky controllers. This vision emphasizes creating more intuitive and hands-on learning experiences that drive tangible results for organizations.
This significant investment marks a pivotal moment for StretchSense, empowering the company to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its market presence. With new leadership and strong financial backing, the firm is well-positioned to redefine professional training through its innovative XR solutions. The continued development of its immersive glove technology promises to transform how skills are taught and learned across critical industries.