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§ Private Profile · 40 Holland Street #407 Somerville, Massachusetts 02144 United States
NODAR is a technology company.
NODAR develops advanced 3D vision technology, leveraging patented algorithms to transform standard cameras into high-performance, long-range perception systems. The company specializes in re-imagined stereo vision, providing superior range, precision, and reliability for intelligent machines. This approach enables detailed 3D environmental understanding, detecting small objects at significant distances, and offers software-only products for integration into various camera platforms.
The company was co-founded by Dr. Leaf Jiang, who serves as CEO, and Brad Rosen, the COO, with Dr. Piotr Swierczynski as CTO. Dr. Jiang, holding a PhD from MIT and having developed LiDAR technology at MIT Lincoln Labs, launched NODAR in 2018. Their founding insight centered on addressing the limitations of existing 3D sensing solutions by developing a more robust and scalable stereo vision technology suitable for demanding autonomous applications.
NODAR's technology is primarily utilized within the autonomous vehicle industry and by other intelligent machines that require precise, long-range 3D perception. The company's vision is to establish the next generation of 3D sensor technology, providing critical spatial awareness and enabling enhanced safety and operational capabilities for advanced automated systems. They aim to be foundational to the future of machine perception.
NODAR has raised $12.0M across 1 funding round.
NODAR has raised $12.0M in total across 1 funding round.
NODAR has raised $12.0M in total across 1 funding round.
NODAR's investors include New Enterprise Associates, Amdocs Ventures, Pillar VC, Rhapsody Venture Partners.
NODAR has raised $12.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series A in April 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2022 | $12M Series A | NEW Enterprise Associates | Amdocs Ventures, Pillar VC, Rhapsody Venture Partners | Announced |
NODAR is a Boston-area startup founded in 2018 that develops advanced camera-based 3D vision technology as a superior alternative to lidar for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and industrial applications.[1][2][3] The company builds the Hammerhead stereo vision platform, which uses wide-baseline camera arrays and proprietary algorithms to deliver long-range, high-resolution 3D perception, enabling precise object detection, automated parking, and surround-view mapping without ultrasonic sensors.[1][4][5] NODAR serves AV developers, automotive ADAS systems, and sectors like aviation, rail, heavy machinery, and warehouses, solving the problem of costly, unreliable 3D sensing in adverse conditions by providing lidar-competitive performance at lower cost and higher reliability.[3][5][6] With $14.26M raised (including a $12M Series A three years ago), NODAR has shown growth through awards like the 2023 Grand Prix ACF AutoTech and partnerships, positioning it for mass-market adoption in autonomy.[1][5]
NODAR was founded in 2018 by Dr. Leaf Jiang, an MIT-trained expert (BS, MS, PhD) who spent 12 years at MIT Lincoln Laboratory developing military-grade lidar systems, gaining deep insights into the limitations of active 3D sensors like lidar.[3][6] Frustrated by lidar's high costs, unreliability, and performance gaps, Leaf pivoted to passive stereo vision using standard cameras, aiming to create a more performant, reliable, and affordable solution for AVs and 3D monitoring.[3] In 2019, as NODAR sought funding, Leaf partnered with Brad Rosen, a serial entrepreneur, MIT Sloan grad, and software engineer with 20+ years in venture-backed startups; Brad joined as COO and co-founder, securing the seed round within months and accelerating commercialization.[3][6] Early traction came from prototypes proving superior range and accuracy, leading to institutional investment and rapid expansion from Somerville, MA.[2][4]
NODAR stands out in the crowded AV sensor market through these key advantages:
NODAR rides the autonomous mobility wave, where AV adoption hinges on affordable, robust 3D sensing amid lidar's scaling hurdles like cost (>10x cameras) and vulnerability to weather.[1][3][6] Timing is ideal as OEMs push L2+ ADAS and L3/L4 AVs toward production, with regulations demanding redundancy; NODAR's passive vision complements LiDAR/radar stacks from rivals like Scantinel, TriEye, and RoboSense.[1] Market tailwinds include falling camera prices, AI perception advances, and industrial automation growth (e.g., warehouses, rail), where NODAR influences by enabling safer, cheaper autonomy—potentially reducing road fatalities via ubiquitous stereo systems.[5][6] As a startup innovator, it shapes the ecosystem through awards and pilots, accelerating stereo vision's shift from niche to standard.
NODAR is poised to become a core enabler of mass-market autonomy, expanding Hammerhead into every L2-L4 vehicle, robotaxi, and industrial robot with cost/reliability edges over lidar incumbents.[6] Upcoming trends like multi-sensor fusion, edge AI, and regulatory pushes for AV safety will propel growth, with potential new funding or OEM deals unlocking Series B-scale momentum.[1][4] Its influence could evolve from AV specialist to cross-industry 3D standard, transforming transportation safety as founders' vision of "ubiquitous" stereo vision materializes—ultimately making advanced 3D perception as accessible as today's cameras.[3][5][6]