Bonocle, a tech startup founded in Qatar that provides innovative technology solutions for the blind, has closed its seed round totaling its funding to $1M in grants and investments since its inception. The funding was received from a combination of local and international angel investors, including prominent MENA investors such as Dharmendra Ghai (HealthTech Mentor), Fatima Al Kuwari, and Faraj Abdulla. The startup also received grants from Qatar Science and Technology Park, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, and Mada, an assistive technology center in Qatar.
Founded in 2016, Bonocle has developed a unique braille education and entertainment platform that combines hardware and software to create an accessible and fun braille learning experience for the blind. The platform includes a range of educational applications and games, including apps to teach the braille alphabet, spelling, math, and chemistry, as well as different game genres like board games, platformers, action-adventure, and puzzle games.
With the goal of reviving braille and making it accessible to all blind communities worldwide. The startup has focused on creating an affordable and portable device that can expand with a software library, internally developed and optimized for its users. Bonocle’s first batch of devices has already been sold in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The company is ramping up its production to meet demand in the Middle East and North America.
Abdelrazek Aly, Bonocle’s CEO, said, “The seed round investment will be used to further develop and refine Bonocle’s technology, as well as increase production to meet the growing demand for its products.”
Fatima Al Kuwari, one of the startup’s early investors, said, “Assistive technology for the visually impaired really captured my interest as an investor and I look forward to seeing this expand globally and be available to everyone who needs it”
Dharmendra Ghai, angle investor & mentor with insights into social impact innovation added: “Braille is an important tool to promote equality, independence, experience and literacy for people with visual impairments. Its use is essential for the complete integration of individuals with vision impairments into society. In the race of making technology smarter and flatter, we made it ‘scarp’ for the visually impaired. Bonocle addresses these last-mile gaps, providing transformative assistive solutions to create a more inclusive world for all. The future innovation is with entrepreneurs who are willing to challenge the status quo and bring a positive social impact”
Ramy Soliman, Bonocle’s COO, reiterated, “The startup is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the blind and visually impaired and is excited to continue its mission with the support of its investors”
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Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Safiya K
