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XENOMATIX

XenomatiX Advances LiDAR Technology with EIC Accelerator Funding for Automotive and Infrastructure Solutions

BelgiumEIC Accelerator2022

Table of Contents

  1. The EIC Accelerator Project
  2. The Funding Rounds
  3. The Press Releases
  4. The Technology Advancements
  5. The Partnerships and Customers
  6. The Hiring and Company Growth
  7. The Media Features and Publications

1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating within the DeepTech and startup ecosystem. This program focuses on facilitating the growth and scalability of groundbreaking technologies and innovations across Europe by providing financial resources and strategic guidance.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator funding comprises two primary components: grants and equity investments.

1. Grant Funding: The program offers grant funding of up to €2.5 million. This financial support is typically aimed at covering the costs associated with the development of new products, processes, or services. Grants can be utilized for various stages of innovation, including research and development, prototyping, and initial market deployment.
2. Equity Investment: In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity investments to qualified companies. Initially, up to €15 million was available until 2024, after which the maximum equity investment was reduced to €10 million. This equity funding allows the European Commission to take a minority stake in the company, facilitating further capital for scaling operations while alleviating the financial burden on the entrepreneurs.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator serves as a vital mechanism for fostering innovation within the European economy. Its primary objectives include:

  • Encouraging Innovation: By providing financial resources, the program aims to stimulate the development of innovative technologies that can address pressing societal challenges.
  • Enhancing Competitiveness: The EIC Accelerator helps European companies enhance their competitiveness on a global scale by enabling them to bring advanced technologies to market more quickly and effectively.
  • Facilitating Access to Private Funding: The program not only provides necessary financial backing but also enhances a company’s credibility, making it more attractive to private investors. This dual approach ensures that companies can secure additional funding, essential for scaling operations and reaching broader markets.

Case Study: XENOMATIX and the SE€ Project

Company Overview: XENOMATIX, based in Belgium, is a company recognized for its innovative contributions to the field of LiDAR technology. The company’s focus lies in developing advanced sensing solutions that enhance traffic safety and mobility.

Project Overview: The EIC Accelerator project, titled SE€ (Unlocking LiDAR technology for European OEMs), aims to revolutionize the integration of LiDAR technology within the European automotive sector. The project was submitted on March 23, 2022, as part of the EIC Accelerator's Step 2 proposal and later won funding during the Step 3 interview process.

Technology Background

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is a sophisticated method for measuring distances using laser light. It generates high-resolution 3D maps of the environment, which are crucial for applications in autonomous vehicles, smart traffic systems, and overall urban mobility solutions.

The SE€ project focuses on unlocking the potential of LiDAR for European Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), aiming to create safer and smarter traffic systems. The technology enables vehicles to detect and analyze their surroundings in real-time, contributing to enhanced safety features such as collision avoidance, improved navigation, and efficient traffic management.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in the European innovation landscape, supporting companies like XENOMATIX in their quest to bring transformative technologies to market. Through its structured funding model, the program not only assists in overcoming financial barriers but also enhances the overall competitiveness of European SMEs within the global marketplace. The SE€ project exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to improve traffic safety and mobility, aligning with broader European goals of sustainability and innovation.

2 The Funding Rounds

# XenomatiX: EIC Accelerator Winner's Funding Journey

XenomatiX, a Belgian company founded in 2013, specializes in developing true solid-state lidar technology for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving (AD), and road digitization. Based in Leuven, Belgium, the company has established itself as a pioneer in the lidar market, offering products that enable precise real-time 4D-6D digitization and understanding of a vehicle's surroundings.

EIC Accelerator Funding

XenomatiX received funding from the EIC Accelerator program, with the grant being awarded on June 10, 2022. This came after the company submitted its Step 2 proposal on March 23, 2022, and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview phase. The EIC Accelerator grant represents one of the company's four funding rounds, contributing to its total raised capital.

Funding History

XenomatiX has raised a total of $10.71 million across four funding rounds since its inception. The company's funding rounds include:

1. Private Equity Round - March 5, 2021
This round involved investment from BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity and eight other entities, including Peter Croonen and several industrial private equity investors with backgrounds in automotive and mobility.
2. Unattributed VC Round - April 30, 2021
Details about specific investors in this round are limited in the available information.
3. Series A Round - June 3, 2021
This funding round helped XenomatiX accelerate the industrialization of price-competitive lidar modules and prepare for mass production.
4. Grant (EIC Accelerator) - June 10, 2022
XenomatiX received the EIC Accelerator grant, which was its most recent funding as of the available data.

Key Investors

XenomatiX has attracted investment from several notable investors, including:

  • BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity: Invested during the March 2021 round, expressing confidence in XenomatiX's ability to become a leading player in the lidar market.
  • Capricorn Fusion China Fund: A strategic investor focused on European innovative companies with transcontinental growth ambitions.
  • Capricorn Partners: A venture capital firm supporting XenomatiX's growth.
  • Finindus: Listed among XenomatiX's investors.
  • Strategic Investors: The company has also received funding from strategic investors in the automotive and technology sectors, with one such investor increasing its stake after XenomatiX met agreed technical milestones.
  • MobilityXlab, Quest for Growth, Asahi Glass, and Nikon: Also listed among the company's investors.

Company Valuation

Specific valuation figures for XenomatiX are not explicitly mentioned in the available data. However, as a Series A-funded company that has raised over $10 million, XenomatiX likely had a valuation in the tens of millions at the time of its Series A funding in June 2021, which is typical for companies at this stage.

Strategic Partnerships

In addition to financial investments, XenomatiX has established partnerships with various Tier 1 suppliers and automotive companies, including:

  • Marelli
  • AGC
  • Siemens
  • Imec
  • Septentrio
  • Cosworth
  • TOYO
  • JAT
  • Shanghai ZK

These partnerships have likely played a significant role in the company's commercial validation and attractiveness to investors.

Current Status and Exit Events

As of the latest available information, XenomatiX remains a privately-owned company backed by financial and strategic investors. There is no indication of any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions having occurred. The company continues to operate independently, focusing on expanding its product offerings and market presence.

The company has approximately 50 employees across operations in Belgium, France, the US, and China, and has established a global distribution network. XenomatiX is ISO9001:2015 certified, demonstrating its commitment to quality management and validation processes as it continues to grow in the lidar technology space.

Sources: - https://ecosystem.opportunityaustin.com/companies/xenomatix

  • https://app.dealroom.co/companies/xenomatix
  • https://www.cbinsights.com/company/xenomatix/financials
  • https://businessintelligence.odenseseedandventure.dk/companies/xenomatix
  • https://www.cbinsights.com/company/xenomatix
  • https://xenomatix.com/bnp-paribas-invests-in-xenomatix/
  • https://coresignal.com/blog/funding-rounds/
  • https://www.kumuluspartners.com/en/reference/investment-from-capricorn-fusion-china-fund-bnp-paribas-fortis-and-private-investors-in-xenomatix
  • https://xenomatix.com/company/
  • https://blog.salesflare.com/startup-funding-rounds

3 The Press Releases

XenomatiX Overview

XenomatiX, a Belgium-based company, has been at the forefront of developing true solid-state LiDAR technology. The company received EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, marking a significant milestone in its journey to enhance its technological offerings and market presence.

Technology Advancements

XenomatiX is renowned for its innovative LiDAR solutions, with a focus on automotive ADAS and AD applications, as well as infrastructure management. The company launched the next generation of its XenoLidar-X in 2021, which features a modular design suitable for both long-range (Xpert) and mid-range (Xact) applications. This technology boasts improved resolution and reduced power consumption, making it a cost-effective solution for OEMs and Tier I suppliers.

In recent years, XenomatiX has also developed XenoTrack, a road LiDAR designed for high-precision road digitization. This technology is recognized for its accuracy and efficiency, having won significant awards such as the IRF GRAA award and the Geospatial Innovation Award.

Partnerships and Collaborations

XenomatiX has formed strategic partnerships with major automotive suppliers, including AGC, Marelli, and Kautex. These partnerships are crucial for integrating XenomatiX’s LiDAR solutions into vehicles, enhancing their adaptability and customizability.

Team Updates

In recent news, XenomatiX welcomed Kevin Mandli as the new Head of North America, bringing over 35 years of experience to the role.

Press Releases and Blog Posts

Recent press releases highlight XenomatiX’s participation in significant events like Geo Week and the Geospatial World Forum. The company’s XenoBike, a lidar-based pavement inspection tool, was named the Best Product at Geo Week’s Game Changers Showcase in February 2025.

XenomatiX also maintains an active blog discussing topics such as the growing need for sidewalk inspections and modern road inspection methods.

Recent Developments

In addition to its LiDAR advancements, XenomatiX has introduced a new crack detection module, CraXter, further expanding its offerings in infrastructure management.

Sources: - XenomatiX News

4 The Technology Advancements

XenomatiX from Belgium: Recent Developments and Capabilities

XenomatiX, a Belgian company specializing in true solid-state lidar solutions, has been actively advancing its technology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. The company is renowned for its innovative applications in road asset management, automotive, and industrial sectors.

Current Capabilities

XenomatiX's product lineup includes XenoTrack and XenoLidar. XenoTrack is designed for road asset management, enabling efficient 3D pavement measurements and providing data crucial for road maintenance decisions. It features multi-beam lasers and scalable semiconductor technology, making it ideal for digitizing roads, analyzing the international roughness index (IRI), and rutting analysis. XenoLidar, on the other hand, serves the automotive and autonomous vehicle markets with its lightweight and modular design.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

New Product Releases: In early 2023, XenomatiX introduced the Dual Lane version of XenoTrack at GeoWeek 2023. This innovation allows for the scanning of two lanes in one pass, significantly enhancing the efficiency of road surveys. Additionally, XenomatiX has been working on the next-generation modular lidar, XenoLidar-X, which offers improved resolution and is designed for both long-range (Xpert) and mid-range (Xact) applications.

Awards and Recognition: XenomatiX was awarded the Trends Gazellen 2023 for the second consecutive year, recognizing the company as one of the fastest-growing medium-sized businesses in Belgium. This award underscores the company's technological advancements and market impact.

Technology Demonstrations and Market Presence

XenomatiX has a strong distribution network across the globe, including partnerships with TOYO Corporations, JAT, and collaborations with major companies like Marelli, AGC, Siemens, and Imec. The company's technology is demonstrated through its partnerships and the integration of its products into various applications, such as road management and automotive systems.

New Patents and Scientific Studies

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, XenomatiX has continued to develop its intellectual property. While specific new patents filed since March 2022 are not detailed in the available information, the company has a history of innovative patent filings related to lidar technology and vehicle surroundings detection.

Conclusion

XenomatiX has shown significant advancements in its technology and market presence since the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus on improving efficiency and precision in lidar solutions has positioned it as a leader in the automotive and road management sectors.

Sources

5 The Partnerships and Customers

XenomatiX's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, XenomatiX has expanded its global partnerships and technological capabilities, focusing on digital infrastructure management and automotive lidar innovation. Below is a detailed analysis of its collaborations and market strategy:

Key Partnerships

  • ASAsense: Formed a strategic alliance in October 2024 under the "XenomatiX Group" umbrella to integrate lidar with sound recognition technologies for infrastructure digitization, soundscape monitoring, and pavement inspection.
  • Septentrio: Partnered in 2021 (pre-EIC) but strengthened collaboration post-funding for high-precision GNSS receivers to enhance lidar accuracy in mobile mapping.
  • Maxdrogi: Utilizes XenomatiX’s lidar systems for road inspections in Poland, improving survey accuracy for local governments.
  • SIGMA Middle East: Distributes engineering products in the UAE and GCC countries, supporting infrastructure digitization efforts.
  • SSI (USA): Collaborates on asphalt/concrete pavement testing equipment development.

New Customers and Applications

While specific customer names are not disclosed publicly:
  • Road Authorities: XenomatiX serves agencies like Belgium’s AWV (Agentschap Wegen & Verkeer), which uses their technology for road network management.
  • Automotive Sector: Targets Tier 1 suppliers with its XenoLidar modules (e.g., Xact/Xpert), emphasizing multi-beam solid-state technology for autonomous vehicles.

Nature of New Relationships

The ASAsense alliance exemplifies a "buy-and-build" strategy to combine edge AI, sound analysis, and lidar data. This integration enables comprehensive digital twin solutions for smart cities and road maintenance authorities. Partners like SSI focus on hardware synergies to improve pavement quality assessment.

Market Positioning

Post-EIC funding, XenomatiX has solidified its role as a provider of turnkey solutions for:
1. Digital Infrastructure Management: Through tools like XenoBike (award-winning mobile mapping system) and CraXter crack detection module.
2. Automotive Sensing: Compact lidars with global shutter capabilities ensure precise object detection even at high speeds.

Technology Advancements via Partnerships

Collaborations drive innovation by:
  • Expanding sensor fusion capabilities through combined acoustic-lidar systems (ASAsense). Enhancing geo-referencing accuracy via Septentrio’s GNSS tech. Scaling production capacity through global distribution networks (SIGMA/Maxdrogi).

  • Sources Used

    Strategic Alliance with ASAsense - Xenomatix | Partners | Xenomatix | Septentrio Partnership Announcement | Enterprise Europe Network Case Study | News Updates

    6 The Hiring and Company Growth

    XenomatiX: Team Growth and Hiring

    XenomatiX, a Belgian company specializing in true solid-state lidar technology, has experienced significant growth since its founding in 2013. As of recent data, the company has around 50 employees across several countries, including Belgium, France, the U.S., and China.

    Current Team Size and Growth

    XenomatiX has grown from its humble beginnings in a garage to becoming the 6th fastest-growing medium-sized company in Belgium. This growth reflects the company's innovative approach to lidar technology, which focuses on high-resolution and accurate data for road safety and comfort.

    Hiring and Current Openings

    XenomatiX is actively hiring to expand its team. Current job openings include positions for software engineers, where candidates are expected to develop and maintain software interfaces and work with C++17. The company values a strong technical background, especially in object-oriented programming and software patterns. This expansion indicates a strategic move to enhance its software capabilities and support its lidar technology development.

    Key Positions and Recent Hires

    While specific details on recent hires are not available, the focus on software engineering positions highlights the company's emphasis on technological advancement. These new team members are crucial for developing and integrating features into XenomatiX's existing codebase, which will help in scaling and enhancing product offerings.

    Impact on Future Growth

    The addition of new team members, particularly in software engineering, is expected to bolster XenomatiX's ability to innovate and deliver high-quality products. This expansion will likely enhance the company's position in the lidar technology market, supporting its mission to improve road safety and comfort through advanced sensing solutions. The growth in talent will also contribute to the company's continued success as a leading provider of solid-state lidar systems.

    Management and Founding Team

    XenomatiX's leadership includes key figures such as Filip as CEO, Alain as CFO, Kris as VP Sales & BD, and Liesbet as Engineering Director. There are no reports of major changes in management or the founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022.

    Conclusion

    XenomatiX's growth trajectory, fueled by its innovative true solid-state lidar technology and strategic hiring, positions the company for continued success in the automotive and industrial sectors. As it scales up its operations and expands its team, XenomatiX is poised to play a significant role in enhancing road safety and comfort globally.

    Sources

    7 The Media Features and Publications

    XenomatiX Overview

    XenomatiX is a Belgian company specializing in true solid-state lidar technology. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, the company has been actively involved in various areas, including automotive, autonomous vehicles, road inspection, and digital road mapping.

    Media Features and Publications

    XenomatiX has been featured in several publications, including GPS World and Geo Week News, where its innovative lidar technology and its applications in road safety and mapping have been highlighted. The company's technology is noted for its ability to create highly detailed 3D maps, which are useful in pavement management and urban planning.

    Content from Publications

    Publications have emphasized XenomatiX's role in enhancing driving safety through its advanced lidar systems. These systems provide high-resolution data, which are crucial for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the company's technology is used in road inspection and mapping, offering solutions for efficient road scanning and infrastructure digitization.

    Podcasts and Interviews

    Filip Geuens, CEO of XenomatiX, has participated in interviews, such as those conducted by Geo Week News. These interviews provide insights into the company's main applications and how its technology differentiates it from other companies in the field.

    Conference and Fair Visits

    XenomatiX has been actively involved in conferences like Geo Week. At Geo Week 2024, the company showcased its technology and collaborated with industry leaders to discuss advancements in lidar technology and its applications. Additionally, XenomatiX introduced its Dual Lane surveying solution in early 2023 at Geo Week, highlighting its multibeam technology's efficiency in scanning multiple lanes simultaneously.

    Involvement in Events

    The company collaborates with other entities to leverage technologies like edge AI and sound analysis for infrastructure management, as seen in its partnership with ASAsense. This partnership aims to advance in the digital twin market and expand its international reach.

    Key Facts

    • Company Name: XenomatiX
    • Country: Belgium
    • Date of EIC Accelerator Funding: March 23, 2022
    • Technology Focus: True solid-state lidar

    Sources

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