Paloceras
Paloceras is an independent European eyewear brand that combines digital design, advanced 3D printing, and hand finishing to produce high-end sunglasses and optical frames.
- CEO / Founder
- Mika Matikainen (Creative Director & Co-Founder); Alexis Perron-Corriveau (Design Director & Co-Founder)
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Pre-Seed
- Key Investors
- Lifeline Ventures
Technology & Products
Key Products
Pebble collection (acetate frames with inflated contours); Hydroceras (3D-printed limited edition capturing water-in-motion design); Nexoris collection; Nouvelle Fiction (lightweight optical frames); Exuva collection; Made-to-Order eyewear; silk scarves and accessories
Technological Advantage
In-house MicroFactory combining Genera DLP 3D printing systems with traditional hand finishing; design-to-production cycle reduced from 12 months to 2 weeks; AI-assisted design process; localized production eliminating supply chain transport; ability to produce small experimental runs and bespoke pieces.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Paloceras creates "fantasy eyewear" by merging algorithmic design and high-definition 3D printing with traditional hand craftsmanship, enabling rapid design-to-production cycles (2 weeks vs. 12 months) and small-batch, made-to-order production at its Helsinki MicroFactory.
How They Differentiate
Paloceras positions 3D printing as a creative medium for sculptural, artistic expression rather than a cost-saving manufacturing shortcut. The brand emphasizes "fantasy eyewear" with organic, water-inspired forms, AI-assisted design, and a luxury fashion positioning — appearing on Paris Haute Couture runways and in Vogue Italia, Financial Times, and Harper's Bazaar.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
High-end fashion consumers, independent opticians, luxury boutiques, and fashion-forward individuals seeking sculptural, limited-edition eyewear.
Industry Verticals
Luxury fashion eyewear; optical retail; haute couture accessories
Competitors
Weareannu (3D-printed eyewear); VAVA (3D-printed eyewear); Paris K (3D-printed eyewear designer)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2022: Company founded in Geneva region by Mika Matikainen and Alexis Perron-Corriveau; 2023: Pre-Seed funding from Lifeline Ventures; 2025: Opened MicroFactory in Helsinki with Finnish government grant; 2025: Launched Hydroceras, first 3D-printed product; 2025: Featured in Financial Times; 2025: Launched in the United States; 2026: Designed eyewear for Robert Wun's Paris Haute Couture SS26 show; 2026: Won 'Best Sun Style – Independent' at NOW Awards (Vision Expo, Orlando); 2026: Exhibited at MIDO 2026
Notable Customers
Robert Wun (haute couture collaboration); Djibril Cissé (collaboration); featured in Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar, Financial Times, Rolling Stone UK, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair Italia