HapWare Raises $1.5 Million for ALEYE Haptic Wristband

HapWare said in a press release that it closed an oversubscribed $1.5 million pre seed round ahead of the 2027 launch of its ALEYE haptic wristband. TIME also named ALEYE one of its Best Inventions of 2026 in the accessibility category.

ALEYE connects to Meta smart glasses or smartphone cameras to detect facial expressions, gestures, and body language. It converts those visual cues into distinct vibration patterns on the wrist, such as a U shape for a smile and a side to side pattern for a wave. The product is designed for people who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind.

Adaptation Ventures led the round, with participation from Sidecut Ventures, Mines Venture Fund, Avesta Fund, The Pitch Fund, and other investors. HapWare is accepting reservations with a refundable $59 deposit toward a $359 preorder price.