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§ Private Profile · Plano, TX, USA
An AI-driven materials company developing advanced ene-thiol polymers and optical films for flexible displays and consumer electronics.
Ares Materials is a materials science company based in Plano, Texas, that utilizes machine learning and materials informatics to design advanced ene-thiol polymers and optical films for the electronics industry. The business develops, sells, and licenses proprietary chemical formulations, notably a transparent polysulfide thermoset called Pylux, which replaces glass to enable the manufacturing of flexible OLED displays, optical sensors, and AR/VR hardware. Operating with an estimated headcount of under 50 employees, the enterprise has secured early-stage venture funding, including a multimillion-dollar Series A investment led by Panasonic. Furthermore, the organization recently expanded its materials operations through a corporate venture capital investment from Denka Company Limited in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures. Ares Materials was founded in 2014 as a spinout from the University of Texas at Dallas by David Arreaga, Radu Reit, Adrian Avendano, and Walter Voit.
Ares Materials has raised $14.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Ares Materials has raised $14.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Ares Materials has raised $14.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series B in October 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | $12M Series B | Black Diamond Ventures | — | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2019 | $2M Series A | — | L'Attitude Ventures | Announced |
Ares Materials has raised $14.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Ares Materials's investors include Black Diamond Ventures, L'ATTITUDE Ventures.
Ares Materials is a technology company specializing in AI-driven sustainable polymers for next-generation optical displays in consumer electronics. Founded in 2016, it develops advanced materials like films, coatings, optically clear adhesives (OCA/PSA), and resins (OCR) using its proprietary Pylux platform, which combines innovative Thiol-click chemistry with machine learning to create tunable, lightweight, durable, and flexible polymers that preserve optical performance.[1][2] These solutions target markets including mobile devices, foldable phones, tablets, laptops, automotive displays, and AR/VR, addressing key industry challenges like mechanical limitations in microelectronics substrates.[1][2] Backed by venture capital, corporate partners, and government agencies, the company serves electronics manufacturers seeking sustainable, high-performance materials to enable thinner, more resilient displays.[2]
Ares Materials emerged from the research of co-founders Dr. Adrian Avendano and Dr. David Arreaga. The idea originated during Avendano's work on QUALCOMM's Mirasol display project and evolved through their PhD studies, where they pinpointed the microelectronics industry's struggle with substrates lacking reliable mechanical tunability without sacrificing optical quality.[1] Officially founded in 2016 after securing venture capital—though some sources note establishment ties to a 2014 University of Texas spin-out—the company launched with a focus on Thiol-click chemistry to deliver mechanically versatile materials for flexible electronics.[1][4] A pivotal expansion came in 2020 with integration of a machine learning platform, accelerating formulation development and positioning Ares at the forefront of AI-enhanced materials science.[1]
Ares Materials rides the wave of flexible and foldable display proliferation, fueled by demand for thinner, tougher electronics in mobiles, wearables, and automotive interfaces amid the AR/VR boom.[2] Timing aligns with industry shifts toward sustainable materials, as manufacturers face regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for eco-conscious tech, while AI integration accelerates R&D in a market projected to grow with next-gen displays.[1][3] Favorable forces include supply chain needs for tunable substrates post-COVID disruptions and partnerships with VCs and corporates, enabling scale.[2] By pioneering AI-driven polymers, Ares influences the ecosystem, lowering barriers for display innovation and supporting trends like immersive computing.[1]
Ares is poised to capture share in the exploding optical polymers market as foldables and AR/VR mature, with Pylux expansions into new applications like transparent displays likely driving partnerships and revenue growth.[2] Trends in AI-accelerated materials discovery and sustainability mandates will amplify its edge, potentially leading to acquisitions by display giants or IPO paths. Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem enabler, reshaping consumer electronics constraints that sparked its founding vision.[1]