Facet Technology is a technology company specializing in geospatial data solutions, including high-resolution roadside imagery, LiDAR scanning, asset inventories, mapping, and retroreflectivity analysis for transportation agencies, governments, and businesses.[1][2][6] Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, it combines software development with field services, having driven over 1.5 million miles of data capture and serving clients across the US and North America, with notable projects mapping 120 US city centers.[2] The company holds over 20 US patents in areas like object detection in LiDAR arrays and image processing, positioning it in the auto tech ecosystem focused on vehicle connectivity and software-defined vehicles.[1][2]
Its core offerings solve precise data needs for infrastructure management, enabling clients to inventory assets, assess road conditions, and support mapping initiatives with state-of-the-art capture technologies.[1][2]
Facet Technology was founded in 1998 (with some sources noting 1999) by Jamie Retterath, a research scientist specializing in graphics and image processing hardware and software.[1][2][4] Based initially in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the company emerged from expertise in geospatial technologies, quickly focusing on transportation infrastructure challenges for federal, state, county, and municipal governments.[2][6] Early traction came from combining technical innovation—evidenced by over 20 US patents, including a 2020 grant for LiDAR object detection—with practical services like roadside image and LiDAR capture.[1][2] Pivotal moments include scaling to 1.5 million miles of data collection and high-resolution mapping for points-of-interest in major US cities, solidifying its role in government contracts.[2]
Facet Technology rides the wave of geospatial intelligence growth, fueled by autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and digital twins for transportation networks.[1] Timing aligns with rising demand for LiDAR and high-res imagery in auto tech (2,178 companies in the space), where accurate roadside data is critical for mapping, ADAS calibration, and urban planning.[1][2] Market forces like government infrastructure investments and EV/autonomy pushes favor its niche, as precise asset data reduces costs and enhances safety analytics.[2] It influences the ecosystem by enabling scalable data pipelines for software-defined vehicles and public mapping initiatives, bridging hardware capture with analytics software.[1]
Facet Technology's niche in geospatial services positions it for expansion amid surging LiDAR adoption in autonomy and smart cities, potentially amplifying its patent-driven innovations through partnerships with auto tech firms.[1][2] Trends like AI-enhanced object detection and nationwide infrastructure digitization will shape its trajectory, with opportunities in federal contracts and EV mapping.[1][2] Its influence may evolve from service provider to key data enabler in software-defined mobility, sustaining growth if it scales software offerings beyond capture.[2] This geospatial specialist exemplifies how targeted tech solves real-world infrastructure puzzles, much like its founding mission to deliver technical excellence for public needs.[2]
Facet has raised $71.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Facet's investors include Addition, B Capital Group, BoxGroup, Electric Capital, First Round Capital, LGF, Hans Tung, Robin Li, Primary Venture Partners, Scribble Ventures, Signia Venture Partners, Sommet AB.
Facet has raised $71.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $13.0M Series A in November 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2021 | $13.0M Series A | Addition, B Capital Group, BoxGroup, Electric Capital, First Round Capital, LGF, Hans Tung, Robin Li, Primary Venture Partners, Scribble Ventures, Signia Venture Partners, Sommet AB, South Park Commons, Tiger Global Management, Two Sigma Ventures, Ilya Golubovich, Kevin Weil, Louis Beryl, Manik Gupta, Mark Goines, Sahin Boydas, Tim Griffin | |
| Sep 1, 2020 | $25.0M Series B | Accelerator Ventures, Esplanade HealthTech Ventures, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Flucas Ventures, Harmonix Fund, SOSV, Bradley Horowitz, Daniel Rothman, Marat Kichikov | |
| Sep 1, 2018 | $33.0M Series A | Accelerator Ventures, Esplanade HealthTech Ventures, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, Flucas Ventures, Harmonix Fund, SOSV, Bradley Horowitz, Daniel Rothman, Marat Kichikov |
