LONDON, 2025
WeWALK, the pioneering startup behind the world’s leading smart cane technology, has secured a $900,000 investment round to accelerate its mission of transforming mobility for over 250 million visually impaired people worldwide.
The round brings Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates and early investor in companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Skype, and Coinbase, into WeWALK’s growing coalition of global investors. Draper joins alongside Nesta Impact Investments, NEC X, and APY Ventures, reinforcing international confidence in WeWALK’s vision for inclusive mobility.
“WeWALK is not only transforming the way visually impaired people navigate the world, but also one of the finest examples of how AI and cutting-edge technology can serve humanity. I am excited to support their mission and the global change WeWALK is driving” said Draper.
Earlier this year at CES Las Vegas, WeWALK unveiled its next-generation AI-integrated Smart Cane 2, which won Engadget’s Best in Show award. With the new funding, the company will scale production and expand global access to this life-changing technology.
“WeWALK is not just a product; it is a movement to empower millions of visually impaired people. This investment enables us to scale globally and drive our mission forward” said Gökhan Meriçliler, Co-founder & CEO of WeWALK.
About WeWALK
WeWALK is a global leader in accessible mobility innovation, empowering the visually impaired with cutting-edge assistive technology. Today, our solutions are actively used by thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals across more than 60 countries enabling mobility, independence and confidence. We operate at the intersection of global innovation, design, and community impact with our offices in London, New York, and Istanbul.
Our commitment to accessibility has been recognised through prestigious accolades. WeWALK was honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, acknowledging our game-changing contributions to assistive design. Additionally, we were proud to be featured in Forbes’ inaugural “Accessibility 100” list, celebrating the world’s most impactful accessibility innovators.
Our ecosystem of partnerships strengthens our mission. We collaborate with the most prominent organisations for the visually impaired, like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Vision Australia, CNIB (Canada), and research initiatives with Imperial College funded by Innovate UK, advancing AI-powered navigation and inclusive design.
The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is revolutionary, combining:
· Safety – via comprehensive obstacle detection
· Convenience – through AI-powered voice assistance and navigation
· Accessibility – with transit updates and contextual feedback
· Design – lightweight, durable, and intuitive to use
It goes beyond mobility—it’s a truly smart companion that enhances everyday independence for visually impaired community.
