IBOT acquires a $20 million Series A to expand IA Care access

Eyebot is a startup offering 90-second vision test kiosks that offer doctor-verified prescriptions for glasses, and has secured $20 million in Series A funding.

Founded in 2021, the Boston-based startup is streamlining how people access vision care by eliminating traditional obstacles such as delayed bookings, accessibility, complex insurance requirements and costs.

Already discovered at malls, universities, retail stores, pharmacies, grocery chains, schools and airports, kiosks offer free 90-second vision tests. According to the company, each test generates a prescription, which is then reviewed and approved by a licensed ophthalmologist to ensure a quick, convenient and reliable prescription.

The new funding that will bring Eyebot total funds to more than $30 million will come about a year after the startup raised its seed round in June 2024. Since then, the startup has conducted over 45,000 free vision tests and plans to implement more than 500,000 cases per year.

“The shift has been dramatic since the seed round. We partnered with some of the largest US companies from pilots, launched kiosks across the country, providing tens of thousands of vision tests.” “Revenues are growing, the size of our teams has doubled. Most importantly, we proved the work of the model. People are using Ibots, doctors are verifying the results, and retailers are excited by the traffic that drives them.”

What sets Eyebot apart is its combination of convenience and medical guarantees. All tests will be reviewed by a doctor, and all prescriptions will be issued under clinical supervision. If the test results indicate abnormality, the patient will be referred to a comprehensive in-person trial. He says speed balance and clinical surveillance have gained confidence.

“At our mall location, we have seen amazing intakes from parents with children,” Hoffman said. “They stop between stores and try out Ibots – sometimes even holding the kids’ hands – they leave a prescription in just a few minutes.”

It has proven difficult to convince traditional eye care providers to embrace a technology-first approach. According to Hofmann, early skepticism ran deep. He says hesitancy has eased after the provider learned that experienced doctors review all the results and that many have over 10 years of experience.

Ibot is in the early stages of commercialization. That vision test is provided free of charge to consumers, and if a prescription is required, one of the company’s doctors will verify it for a fee. Additionally, the company leased kiosks to optical retailers, eyewear brands and independent practices.

With Series A, the company plans to expand its kiosk deployment and expand its team through product, clinical business and commercial growth, the CEO said.

The most recent round was led by general Catalyst and included participation from returning investors Alleycorp, Baukunst, Village Global, Humba Venture, Ravelin and Ubiquity Ventures.