Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Mavis Technologies and our smart glasses.
Showing all 15 questions
Product Questions
Mavis smart glasses provide several key functionalities to assist visually impaired individuals:
- Obstacle Detection: Using proximity sensors and haptic feedback to navigate safely
- Scene Description: AI-powered image recognition provides detailed audio descriptions of surroundings
- Text-to-Speech: Converts printed text to spoken words, enabling access to written materials
- Navigation Assistance: Turn-by-turn audio directions for indoor and outdoor navigation
- Emergency Support: One-way video calls to our support center for immediate assistance
- Object Recognition: Identifies objects and people in the user's environment
These features combine to enhance independence, safety, and quality of life for users with visual impairments.
Mavis smart glasses provide up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. The actual battery life may vary depending on which features are being actively used:
- Basic obstacle detection and navigation: 8-10 hours
- With active AI scene description: 6-8 hours
- With video calling enabled: 4-5 hours
The glasses come with a fast-charging capability, requiring only one hour to fully recharge. We also offer an optional portable power bank specifically designed for our smart glasses, extending usage time by an additional 8 hours.
Mavis smart glasses are designed to assist individuals with various degrees of visual impairment:
- For blind individuals: Our Prima model provides comprehensive audio feedback, haptic navigation cues, and emergency support features.
- For partially sighted individuals: Our Synapse model includes vision enhancement features in addition to the standard assistance capabilities.
Our technology can be beneficial for people with:
- Complete blindness
- Legal blindness (visual acuity of 20/200 or worse)
- Severe vision loss from conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, etc.
- Partial vision loss
We offer a personalized assessment to determine which model and features would best serve each individual's specific needs.
Mavis smart glasses have both online and offline functionalities:
- Offline capabilities (no internet required):
- Basic obstacle detection and proximity sensing
- Haptic feedback system
- Basic pre-trained object recognition
- Simple voice commands
- Online capabilities (internet connection required):
- Advanced AI scene description
- GPS-based navigation
- Support center video calls
- Complex text recognition and translation
- Software updates
Internet connection can be provided via Wi-Fi or through a paired smartphone's mobile data. The glasses will automatically switch to offline mode when internet is unavailable, continuing to provide basic assistance features.
Investment Questions
Our current investment round has the following key terms:
- Total raise: £365,000
- Share price: £10.1 per share
- Minimum investment: £5,000 (approximately 500 shares)
- Available shares: 36,000
- SEIS/EIS eligibility: Our investment opportunity is SEIS/EIS approved, offering significant tax benefits to UK investors
- Equity offered: 18% of the company
- Pre-money valuation: £2.07 million
- Investment mechanism: Direct equity investment via ordinary shares
Based on our financial projections and growth strategy, we anticipate the following ROI timeline:
- Short-term (1-3 years): Initial market penetration and revenue growth phase
- Medium-term (4-6 years): Potential for 4-6x return on investment through private equity sale or strategic acquisition
- Long-term (7-10 years): Potential for 8-12x return through IPO or major acquisition
Key growth indicators supporting these projections:
- Projected profitability: 2026 (Year 2)
- Projected annual revenue by 2028: £4.1 million
- Projected net profit by 2028: £2.7 million
- Projected unit sales by 2028: 3,500 annually
These projections are based on conservative market penetration rates and our current pricing model. The assistive technology market is growing at 8.5% CAGR, potentially accelerating returns.
The £365,000 investment will be allocated across four key areas:
- Operations (40% - £146,000):
- Team expansion (hiring key technical and sales roles)
- Operational infrastructure improvements
- Office and manufacturing space
- Marketing and Sales (27% - £98,550):
- Digital marketing campaigns
- Trade show participation
- Sales team development
- Customer acquisition programs
- Production (26% - £94,900):
- Inventory buildup
- Component sourcing
- Assembly line optimization
- Quality control enhancements
- Capital Expenditure (7% - £25,550):
- Manufacturing equipment
- Testing tools
- Production automation
This funding will support our expansion from 250 units in 2025 to 3,500 units annually by 2028, driving our revenue growth from £277,050 to over £4.1 million in the same period.
Mavis Technologies has three primary exit strategy paths that we're preparing for:
- Strategic Acquisition (5-7 years):
- Target: Acquisition by a larger healthcare technology company, medical device manufacturer, or assistive technology provider
- Potential acquirers: Major healthcare technology firms, eyewear manufacturers expanding into smart technology, or assistive device companies seeking to expand their portfolio
- Value proposition: Our proprietary technology, established market position, and vertical integration capabilities
- Private Equity Sale (4-6 years):
- Target: Sale to private equity firms interested in the healthcare technology sector
- Approach: Growth-focused PE firms with portfolios in assistive devices, healthcare innovation, or accessibility solutions
- Value proposition: Demonstrated growth, strong margins, and established recurring revenue streams
- Initial Public Offering (7-10 years):
- Target: IPO on appropriate exchange if growth trajectories continue as projected
- Approach: Building toward £15-20M annual revenue and sustained profitability
- Value proposition: Market leadership in an expanding assistive technology sector with strong social impact credentials
We are actively building strategic relationships with potential acquisition partners and developing our business model to maximize valuation at exit, while delivering on our mission to enhance independence for visually impaired individuals.
Technology Questions
Mavis smart glasses utilize several specialized AI systems working together:
- Computer Vision AI:
- Object detection and recognition using convolutional neural networks (CNNs)
- Scene understanding and segmentation
- Text recognition (OCR) for reading printed materials
- Face recognition for identifying registered contacts
- Spatial Mapping AI:
- 3D environment mapping using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- Depth estimation from camera input
- Path planning and obstacle avoidance
- Natural Language Processing:
- Voice command recognition and processing
- Context-aware responses
- Description generation for scenes and objects
Our AI system uses a hybrid approach:
- Edge AI running directly on the glasses for basic functions and low-latency responses (obstacle detection, simple recognition)
- Cloud AI for more complex processing (detailed scene description, complex navigation)
The system continuously learns from usage patterns while maintaining user privacy, with all personal data stored securely and never used for training without explicit consent.
Mavis smart glasses incorporate several advanced hardware components, all integrated into a lightweight, comfortable frame:
- Sensors:
- High-resolution camera (8MP) for scene capture and analysis
- Depth sensor for accurate distance measurement
- Infrared proximity sensors for immediate obstacle detection
- 9-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for orientation tracking
- GPS for location tracking and navigation
- Processing:
- Custom-designed multi-core processor optimized for AI workloads
- Dedicated low-power microcontroller for sensor management
- Energy-efficient wireless communication modules
- Output Systems:
- Bone conduction speakers for audio feedback without blocking environmental sounds
- Multiple haptic feedback modules (left, right, and front) for directional cues
- Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration and audio output to hearing aids
- Power:
- High-density battery providing 8 hours of operation
- Quick-charge technology (1 hour to full charge)
- Advanced power management system
The entire hardware system weighs just 75 grams, distributed evenly across the frame for comfortable all-day wear. The design prioritizes durability with water-resistant construction (IPX4 rating) and impact-resistant materials.
Mavis Technologies maintains complete control over our manufacturing process through our in-house production facility in Northampton, UK:
- PCB Production:
- Design and prototyping using industry-standard EDA software
- Stencil printing for precise solder paste application
- Component placement using our Pick-and-Place machine
- Reflow soldering in our controlled temperature oven
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for quality control
- Final testing and validation
- Frame Production:
- 3D design and prototyping
- 3D printing of frames using high-quality, lightweight materials
- Post-processing for durability and comfort
- Assembly of mechanical components
- System Integration:
- PCB integration into frames
- Sensor calibration and alignment
- Battery installation
- Firmware loading and initial testing
- Housing and seal assembly
- Quality Control:
- Comprehensive functionality testing
- Environmental testing (temperature, humidity, impact resistance)
- Battery life and charging validation
- User experience evaluation
Our vertical integration approach provides several advantages:
- Rapid iteration and innovation cycles
- Complete quality control at every step
- Cost efficiency without sacrificing quality
- Supply chain resilience
- Made in UK certification and compliance
This manufacturing approach allows us to offer premium devices at significantly lower prices than competitors who outsource production.
Mavis smart glasses offer several key technological advantages over competitors:
- Vertical Integration: We design and manufacture both hardware and software in-house, unlike competitors who typically outsource either component. This allows for better performance optimization and cost control.
- Affordability: At £650, our glasses are 2-3x more affordable than competing products (£1,800-£2,000+) without compromising on quality or features.
- Haptic Navigation System: Our unique three-point haptic feedback system (left, right, and front) provides intuitive directional guidance without requiring constant audio descriptions.
- Support Service Model: We offer 24/7 human support through one-way video calls, providing assistance in complex situations that AI alone cannot handle.
- Surface Analysis: Our proprietary depth sensing technology can analyze and describe surface textures and small obstacles that other systems miss.
- Customization Capability: Our modular software design allows for personalized feature sets based on individual user needs.
- Low Latency Processing: Critical safety features run on-device with <50ms response times, compared to competitors' 200-500ms delays due to cloud dependency.
These technological advantages combine to create a more effective, reliable, and affordable solution for visually impaired individuals.
Business Model Questions
Our subscription service is an optional add-on to the Mavis smart glasses hardware purchase:
- Price: £30 per month
- Contract: Month-to-month with no long-term commitment
- Core Services Included:
- 24/7 one-way video call support to our assistance center
- Priority software updates and new feature access
- Cloud AI processing for advanced scene description
- Extended mapping and navigation capabilities
- Regular performance optimization and personalization
- Additional Benefits:
- Annual device check-up and maintenance
- Preferential pricing on accessories and upgrades
- Access to beta features and testing programs
The support center is staffed by trained professionals who can see what the user's glasses see (one-way video) and provide immediate assistance with:
- Navigation in complex environments
- Reading documents that automated OCR struggles with
- Identifying specific objects or locations
- Providing detailed descriptions beyond AI capabilities
- Emergency assistance and coordination
The subscription model creates a recurring revenue stream while providing ongoing value to users through human support that complements the AI capabilities.
Our scaling strategy encompasses both production capacity and market reach:
Production Scaling:
- 2025: 250 units (current capacity)
- 2026: 800 units (3.2x increase)
- Investment in additional pick-and-place machinery
- Expanded assembly team
- Optimized production workflows
- 2027: 1,500 units (1.9x increase)
- Semi-automated assembly processes
- Component sourcing agreements at scale
- Enhanced testing automation
- 2028: 3,500 units (2.3x increase)
- Second manufacturing line
- Fully optimized production systems
- Supply chain management software implementation
Sales Scaling:
- Phase 1: UK Market (2025-2026)
- Direct online sales
- Partnerships with UK vision rehabilitation centers
- NHS integration discussions
- Phase 2: European Expansion (2026-2027)
- Distribution partnerships in key EU markets
- Localization of software for major European languages
- European healthcare system engagement
- Phase 3: North American Entry (2027-2028)
- US market entry through strategic partnerships
- FDA approval process
- Insurance reimbursement pathway development
This measured scaling approach ensures quality control and sustainable growth while capturing increasingly larger market segments.
Yes, we've developed several accessibility initiatives to ensure Mavis smart glasses are available to as many visually impaired individuals as possible:
- Payment Plans: 0% interest payment plans over 12, 18, or 24 months, allowing users to spread the cost without additional fees
- Healthcare Partnerships: Working with the NHS and other healthcare providers to establish reimbursement pathways
- Charitable Foundation: The Mavis Foundation provides subsidized or free devices to qualifying low-income individuals, funded by a percentage of our profits and external donations
- Refurbished Program: Certified refurbished units available at 30-40% discount with full warranty
- Disability Organization Discounts: Bulk purchase discounts for organizations supporting visually impaired individuals
- Insurance Coverage: Assistance navigating insurance coverage options where applicable
Additionally, we're developing partnerships with disability employment services to facilitate workplace accommodation funding through government programs. Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints don't prevent access to our technology.
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