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Meta Reportedly Invests $3.5 Billion in EssilorLuxottica Amid Smartglasses Push

Tom Emrich

08 Jul 2025 — 1 min read

Source: Meta

Meta has reportedly taken a minority stake of under 3% in EssilorLuxottica, with the investment valued at around €3 billion, or $3.5 billion according to a report by Bloomberg.
The move signals a broader commitment to their ongoing collaboration on AI-powered glasses.

Meta has reportedly acquired a minority holding of under 3% in EssilorLuxottica, with the stake valued at around €3 billion (roughly $3.5 billion), according to Bloomberg. This follows a July 2024 confirmation by EssilorLuxottica, reported by Reuters, that Meta was considering an investment. That disclosure came after The Wall Street Journal reported the companies were in talks over a potential 5% stake.

EssilorLuxottica is the French-Italian conglomerate behind major eyewear brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada (under license), and Coperni. The group has partnered with Meta since 2019, and in September 2024, the companies formalized their collaboration into a multi-decade partnership focused on connected eyewear.

This development comes on the heels of the launch of Oakley Meta HSTN, an AI-powered glasses line aimed at athletes, featuring Meta AI, open-ear audio, and a built-in camera. Reports also suggest a Prada-branded Meta smartglasses line may debut later this year. The investment places Meta in closer alignment with a key manufacturing and brand partner, just weeks after Google reportedly signed an agreement to invest $100 million for a roughly 4% stake in Gentle Monster’s parent company.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

The race for the face is heating up. Eyewear giants are fast becoming the OEMs of the next great consumer device: smartglasses. Meta and Google’s reported investments signal a major commitment to this post-smartphone category, and a shift that’s quickly gaining momentum.

Disclosure: Tom Emrich has previously worked with or holds interests in companies mentioned. His commentary is based solely on public information and reflects his personal views.

Source: Bloomberg

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