# Circle Optics

> Stitch-free 360° panoramic imaging for defense ISR, counter-UAS, and autonomous sensing.

## Why it is interesting

Rochester parallax-free lens hardware — patented optics eliminate software stitching for zero-latency panoramic video. AFWERX SBIR Phase II $1.25M (2024) for 360° capture + sensor fusion; ~$6M total grants/seed per public filings and Luminate/GENIUS NY ecosystem ties.

## Profile

- **Latest funding:** Not publicly disclosed
- **Latest known valuation:** Not publicly disclosed
- **Total disclosed equity funding:** Not publicly disclosed
- **Stage:** seed
- **Status:** private
- **Industries:** defense-tech, deep-tech, hardware-semiconductors
- **Coverage:** full
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-29

## Key facts

- HQ 260 E Main St Suite 6106, Rochester, NY
- AFWERX SBIR Phase II $1.25M (2024) for 360° 3D modeling
- Parallax-free Hydra lens technology — no software stitch
- ~$6M total funding (grants + seed per public databases)

## Funding history

- Grant (SBIR Phase II) · $1.25M · February 2024
  Source: https://circleoptics.com/circle-optics-wins-1-25m-for-the-afwerx-sbir-phase-ii-to-create-3d-modeling-using-360-degree-image-capture-and-sensor-fusion/

## Related articles

- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/rochester-ny-startups-and-vc-firms-2026

**By:** [Venture Capital Tracker](https://venturecapitaltracker.com/editorial-policy)
**Last updated:** July 29, 2026

**Editorial note:** AI tools assisted with research, structure, or drafting. Venture Capital Tracker retains human editorial responsibility for factual accuracy, relevance, and source quality before publication.

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Source: https://venturecapitaltracker.com/startup/circle-optics