Our San Diego Founder Institute graduates have been considerable in recent years, and the story of Jerome Lacote is one of our standouts. Not long after graduating from our school, Jerome started Victorise, a company specializing in augmented reality programs for competitive athletes.
Now over two years old, the company has a new challenge ahead: Going to market with a new product called Eyeco, a clip-in, heads-up display in a helmet. Designed specifically for any sports using goggles or helmets (specifically dirt bike racing), Jerome is raising money now for this new device.
A Look at Jeremy's Background in Technology
Jeremy didn't start Victorise without some serious experience working for other tech companies first. He cut his teeth by starting a company called Commencal Bikes in 2014. Afterward, he went on to become a UI/UX consultant at Qualcomm for eight months in 2016. He did this while simultaneously founding Victorise.
A little bit before this, he was the creative director and founder of a company called The New Buro. They specialize in visual design, advertising, digital/traditional media, branding, design, apps & games, photos, 360 videos, and virtual reality.
Obviously, Jerome had solid technological background, including the prestige of getting his tech education years before in France.
Through Victorise, his company stands at the forefront in providing useful technology for professional sports.
The Goal of Victorise
When you read the "About Us" section on the Victorise website, you might chortle at the integration of two demographics: Nerds and Jocks.
Jerome managed to bring these two worlds together in creating state-of-the-art technologies by nerds for jocks of the professional sports world. The site explains why their company matters, including Jerome's combination of action sports industry knowledge with product and software development.
Their focus over the last two years was on developing tools that use augmented reality, sensors, data storing, and geo-locators to improve performance on all levels.
Their main software is already using algorithms to transform raw data from GPS, sensors, and devices, into user friendly notifications.
As they raise money on IndieGogo for their Eyeco product, the company is about to go to another level.
Details on How Eyeco Works
Available as an iOS app, Eyeco would fit into any type of helmet or set of goggles being used in a competitive sport. By simply clipping it in, you'll have something similar to a FitBit, but essentially enhancing your eyesight.
It's completely easy to customize through the app. You can create program color-coded alerts for directions, obstacles, and split-time as just a few examples.
As augmented reality, these color-coded alerts won't obscure your vision. They simply show up in your peripheral vision, making it far more efficient than wearing a FitBit or even an Apple Watch.
In the world of dirt bike racing, it's going to change a lot in how people compete, including crash detection. Its ability to warn of obstacles will make the sport safer and bring faster finishing times.
How Much Does Victorise Need to Raise for Eyeco?
The initial fundraising goal is $20,000, even though the funding is flexible. Most recently, they've raised $2,050 of that through ten backers.
As smart technologies become the norm in many different fields, we're rooting for Jerome to get his Eyeco fully funded. Competitive sports will only become better with inventions like his.
Thanks to Jerome's background in designing UX for video games at Rockstar Games, Activision, and Disney, he shouldn't have any trouble getting a final round of funding accomplished. We'll report back on what the future holds for Jerome and his company.
