Varjo
ActiveOverview
Varjo Technologies Oy is a Finnish manufacturer of high-resolution virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (XR) headsets designed for professional applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and engineering.123 The company focuses on delivering human-eye resolution visuals for simulation, training, and design workflows, serving over 25% of Fortune 100 companies with B2B sales and subscription software services.45
History
Varjo was founded in 2016 in Helsinki, Finland, by Urho Konttori, Roope Rainisto, Klaus Melakari, and Niko Eiden, former executives from Nokia and Microsoft.124 Key milestones include the launch of its first headset VR-1 in 2019, XR-3 and VR-3 in 2020, consumer-oriented Aero in 2021, and the XR-4 series in 2023 with a 2025 refresh for simulation training.2 In October 2025, it received EUR 12 million in grant funding from Business Finland Venture Capital to advance mixed reality systems for defense and aviation.4
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| XR-4 Series (mixed reality headsets) | high-fidelity simulation and training | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| VR-3 (virtual reality headset) | professional VR for design and engineering | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Aero (consumer VR headset) | high-resolution VR for prosumers | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| XR-3 (mixed reality headset) | developer and enterprise XR | $10,000 - $15,000 |
Manufacturing
Varjo conducts in-house R&D for its VR/XR hardware, software, and services in Helsinki, Finland, where core development remains based.134 Products are produced through this Finnish operation, supporting global demand while integrating with customer tech stacks.3
Notable Products
- Varjo XR-4 Series - Fourth-generation mixed reality headsets with gaze-driven autofocus for mission-critical training in defense and aviation.
- Varjo Aero - High-resolution VR headset available to consumers and prosumers.
- Varjo VR-3 - Third-generation VR headset for professional design and simulation.
- Varjo XR-3 - Mixed reality headset with camera passthrough for enterprise use.
- Varjo VR-1 - First high-resolution VR headset launched in 2019.
Reputation
Varjo is regarded by professionals in aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors for its superior visual fidelity and reliability in high-stakes simulations, earning recognition like Fast Company's 2023 Most Innovative Companies list.15 Enthusiasts and pros praise its photorealistic XR for industrial metaverse applications, though its premium pricing limits accessibility beyond enterprises.24 Criticisms focus on the high cost and enterprise-only focus for most products, excluding mainstream consumers.2