Paradigm Spine, LLC, a developer of innovative non-fusion spinal implant solutions, announced that it has completed a $21.5 million financing, consisting of a $15mm debt facility and $6.5mm equity. Fifth Third Bank was the sole lender in the $15mm venture debt funding. The $6.5 mm of equity was led by Praefinium Group, a global asset management group specializing in high-growth opportunities, and Trevi Health Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in healthcare investments.
The proceeds from this financing will be used to strengthen the US sales infrastructure, fund the Company’s ongoing US clinical trial of the coflex® device, and drive further international expansion of the company’s product portfolio. The Company believes this financing will carry it through to profitability in 2010.
Marc R. Viscogliosi, Chairman and CEO of Paradigm Spine, LLC, said “Paradigm’s ability to raise capital despite this current economic situation reinforces the strength and quality of our organization, and the confidence our investors have in the success of the company. Paradigm has demonstrated a strong track record over the past 4 years, with sales growing at a CAGR of over 60% from 2005 – 2008. Worldwide revenues grew 63% 2Q09 vs. 2Q08 and growth was more than 15% when comparing sequentially 2Q09 vs. 1Q09. We are particularly pleased with this performance despite economic headwinds and slowing surgical volumes and expect this growth to continue with the expansion of the US Sales team. ”
Jeff Thieman, vice president of National Healthcare Finance at Fifth Third Bank added: “We are pleased to do business with a market leader in the advancement of innovative non-fusion spinal implant products. The new capital will support Paradigm as the Company positions itself for future growth. At Fifth Third Bank, we are committed to responsible lending for our commercial clients.”
HealthCor Partners has been an investor since 2007 and is a significant shareholder of Paradigm Spine. Jeff Lightcap, Senior Managing Director at HealthCor and a member of the Paradigm Board said “HealthCor has watched the compelling value proposition of Paradigm Spine increase over the past few years, from a small, R&D focused product development company to an established operational business with a full product portfolio. We believe this financing will take the Company even further to the next level, enabling achievement of significant sales, clinical and regulatory milestones in the next few years.”
Paradigm Spine is also pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Stuttle to the position of Vice President, US Sales. Matt joined Paradigm Spine in June of 2008 as an Area Sales Director for the Western US with over 12 years of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device experience. He has held various positions in Sales, Sales Management, and Director level roles with Forest Pharmaceuticals, Kyphon, and most recently Medtronic Spine and Biologics.
“Promoting Matt to Vice President, US Sales, creates a results oriented culture and strong foundation for our US Sales team,” commented Chris Hughes, President, US. “He will continue to add extensive industry knowledge, surgeon and sales force relationships to the US infrastructure, and he will be instrumental in strategically executing our US sales plan.”
About Paradigm Spine, LLC
Paradigm Spine is a company focused on the design, development and marketing of innovative non-fusion solutions for the treatment of spinal conditions and diseases. The company’s mission is to provide only “Best in Class” products and services to Spine Surgeons and to be above all, “Surgeon Centric, Indication Specific and Data Driven”.
The company is concentrating on building a multi-product non-fusion portfolio. The company’s signature product is the coflex® interlaminar/interspinous functionally dynamic stabilization device, currently being used in over 40 countries.
The company is currently conducting a multi-center IDE clinical trial of the coflex® implant in the United States. The FDA cleared the company’s DSS™ system in 2008, which is the company’s first product to be marketed in the United States. Paradigm Spine’s wholly owned subsidiary, Fourth Dimension Spine is developing a portfolio of non-fusion scoliosis technologies.
For more information please visit: www.paradigmspine.com
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Lithium Polymer Fuel Cell maker Solicore raise $12.2M
LAKELAND, Fla. (July 27, 2009) – Solicore, Inc. – the world’s leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of ultra-thin, flexible lithium polymer batteries under its Flexion™ brand, powering smart cards, RFID and sensor-based solutions as well as micro medical devices – announced today that it has closed the first phase of its Series D Preferred Stock financing round. The company raised $12.2 million to date in this round and expects a second closing within three weeks that will bring the total of the Series D round to approximately $13.3 million.
The financing was led by a new investor, the technology manufacturing giant Rogers Corp., based in Rogers, Conn. Previous investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Rho Ventures, Braemar Energy Ventures, OPG Ventures, and Firelake Capital also participated in the financing round. Additionally, Robert C. Daigle, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Rogers Corp., has joined Solicore’s Board of Directors. Proceeds from this round of financing will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, research & development, and to accelerate marketing/business development efforts around the globe.
Daigle stated, “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to partner with the industry leader for thin film lithium polymer batteries and expand Rogers’ product and market reach. We believe Solicore’s Flexion products will enable the next generation of secure access cards and medical devices. As a strategic investor and partner, we will work closely with Solicore’s management team and engineers to develop the next generation of thin film batteries.”
“This strategic relationship with Rogers is expected to dramatically increase our manufacturing capacity to keep pace with the surging worldwide demand for our Flexion batteries,” said Solicore CEO David B. Corey. “At the same time, it will enable us to continue driving even greater levels of innovation to ensure that Solicore remains the undisputed leader in the embedded power solution industry.”
The financing was led by a new investor, the technology manufacturing giant Rogers Corp., based in Rogers, Conn. Previous investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Rho Ventures, Braemar Energy Ventures, OPG Ventures, and Firelake Capital also participated in the financing round. Additionally, Robert C. Daigle, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Rogers Corp., has joined Solicore’s Board of Directors. Proceeds from this round of financing will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, research & development, and to accelerate marketing/business development efforts around the globe.
Daigle stated, “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to partner with the industry leader for thin film lithium polymer batteries and expand Rogers’ product and market reach. We believe Solicore’s Flexion products will enable the next generation of secure access cards and medical devices. As a strategic investor and partner, we will work closely with Solicore’s management team and engineers to develop the next generation of thin film batteries.”
“This strategic relationship with Rogers is expected to dramatically increase our manufacturing capacity to keep pace with the surging worldwide demand for our Flexion batteries,” said Solicore CEO David B. Corey. “At the same time, it will enable us to continue driving even greater levels of innovation to ensure that Solicore remains the undisputed leader in the embedded power solution industry.”
Monday 27 July 2009
Nanomaterial coating developer P2i raise £4.1M
P2i Ltd., a UK-based developer of nano-coating technology for liquid-repellent applications, has raised £4.1 million in Series C funding. Swarraton Partners led the round, and was joined by Naxos Capital Partners and return backer Unilever Ventures.
P2i was advised on the deal by ICON Corporate Finance. http://www.p2ilabs.com/
P2i was advised on the deal by ICON Corporate Finance. http://www.p2ilabs.com/
Printed Battery developer Blue Spark Technologies closes series B funding
PRESS RELEASE
Blue Spark Technologies, Inc., the leading designer and manufacturer of thin, flexible, green printed batteries for industry, recently announced that the company has completed its first closing on a planned $5.0 million round of Series B funding. This initial investment will be used to support the ramp-up of Blue Spark’s 1.5V carbon-zinc battery production for large volumes of battery assisted passive RFID implementations scheduled to ship starting in the fourth quarter of 2009. Funding sources include existing Blue Spark investors Early Stage Partners and SunBridge Partners, as well as several additional private investors.
According to Blue Spark President and CEO Gary R. Johnson: “The development of a new integrated circuit designed to support UHF Gen2 battery assisted passive RFID, from Swiss semiconductor manufacturer EM Microelectronic, is a game changer for RFID. Systems integrators and end users have now become aware of a number of high-value applications for which passive UHF did not provide adequate read range or reliability, and active RFID was simply too expensive.
“With battery assisted operation, the performance of UHF RFID dramatically improves, while the cost remains a small fraction of active,” Johnson continues. “We are confident that the new price/performance point for battery assisted RFID will lead to numerous high-volume users. We are especially pleased to see the demand for our batteries take off as initial battery assisted passive projects move from development into production later this year.” Johnson was interviewed this week by CNBC’s “The Tech Effect” for his comments on the impact of flexible batteries on various markets including RFID.
To view a video of the interview, click on this link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1188892272Or visit www.cnbc.com and click on the Videos icon.
According to Jim Petras, Managing Director of Early Stage Partners: “We are excited to be able to continue to support Blue Spark by participating in this series B round of funding. Blue Spark is the leading provider of printed power solutions, and our support will enable them to meet their goal of ramping to high volume manufacturing in the 4th quarter of this year.”
John Gannon, General Partner at SunBridge Partners, adds: “As the lead investor in Blue Spark’s series A round, we were confident in Blue Spark’s ability to deliver world class technology through an effective management team. Our participation in this series B round underscores our assurance, and will enable them to expand their personnel in support of their build to revenue later this year.”
Blue Spark’s has closed on $1.5 million in this $5 million round which will enable them to kick off their continued growth activities while providing working capital to support their sales ramp. Blue Spark is working with institutional investors to close out the remaining $3.5 million in this round.
About Blue Spark Technologies
Blue Spark Technologies, Inc. is the leader in developing flexible, printed, “green,” proprietary power source solutions for battery-powered printed electronic systems. The company was founded as Thin Battery Technologies in 2002 with patented technology and technical leadership from Energizer (Eveready Battery Company). Blue Spark customers include manufacturers, product designers, and integrators across multiple industries including: interactive packaging, RFID, pharmaceutical, powered smart cards, and novelty items. Users of products powered by Blue Spark batteries enjoy increased efficiency, greater convenience and portability, improved safety, lower manufacturing and assembly costs, higher profit margins, and greater environmental responsibility.
For more information, visit www.bluesparktechnologies.com or call +1 440 249 5400.
About Early Stage Partners
Early Stage Partners is an early stage venture capital firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. The company invests in promising opportunities in instrumentation and control technology, life sciences, advanced materials, energy, information technology, and electronics. The company’s principals have over one hundred years combined experience in early stage company formation and development, with a significant network of relationships throughout the United State that can be used to attract management, develop strategic partnerships, and provide later stage funding. www.esplp.com.
About SunBridge Partners
SunBridge Partners is a US-based venture capital firm pursuing a targeted, research-based approach to identifying and investing in private US technology companies pioneering innovations based on advanced technologies in computing, communications and manufacturing, including materials, semiconductors, components, equipment and software. SunBridge Partners’ capacity for strategic guidance based on deep domain expertise, proven track record of assisting portfolio companies, and global network of contacts and partners providing international market insight and revenue opportunities make it a preferred and effective investment partner to the most promising of startup companies. www.sunbridgepartners.com
Medical Robotics developer CardioRobotics raise $11.6 M
Cardiorobotics, Inc., a medical device company developing snake robot technologies for use in a wide range of surgical and interventional applications has closed on an $11.6 Million private equity Series A round of financing. The round was led by Eagle Ventures and its co-investors, the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse and the Slater Technology Fund and affiliated investors.
Funds raised in this round will support the advancement of the clinical product, a clinical feasibility trial on humans, and completion of commercial product for regulatory approval in the United States and the European Union.
“This investment will be used to advance our core product, the cardioARM(TM), toward commercialization,” said Dr. Samuel Straface, Cardiorobotics, Inc., president and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re pleased to have Eagle Ventures, the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, and the Slater Technology Fund and affiliated investors share our vision in providing single-port, off-pump treatments for patients with heart arrhythmias.”
“I am impressed by the combination of the breakthrough technology platform, experienced entrepreneurial leadership, and high commercialization potential of the cardioARM(TM),” said Mel Pirchesky, president and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Ventures. “In particular, I was very impressed by the leadership’s talent and really amazed to learn that the company’s system could convert a complex heart procedure that requires a heart-lung machine, into a single-port, minimally invasive one of about an hour’s duration without the heart-lung machine.”
Cardiorobotics’ is the global leader in snake robotics for minimally-invasive cardiac interventions, allowing minimally invasive treatments for patients suffering with heart arrhythmias. Cardiac surgery is currently the gold standard invasive treatment option for patients with chronic heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, but requires a large breastplate incision to access the heart as well as general endotracheal anesthesia. The heart-lung machine that is required for open-heart surgery (e.g. valve repair) adds further morbidity. Performing a single-port epicardial (outside the heart) intervention in a less invasive manner will dramatically improve patient recovery and significantly decrease risks involved with the current procedures.
About Cardiorobotics, Inc.
Cardiorobotics, Inc. is developing snake robot technologies for use in a wide range of surgical and interventional applications. The Company’s products have very high degrees of freedom of movement, are tele-operated, and are able to steer a self-supported, non-linear path from a single access port and deploy an array of special tools and imaging technologies.
Within the medical field, the company plans ultimately to serve a number of different specialist areas, including: minimally-invasive cardiac surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, NOTES and a range of single-port abdominal and thoracic procedures. Cardiorobotics employs thirteen people at its Technology & Research Center in Pittsburgh, PA and the business and product development facility located in Newport, RI. The Company is in its pre-clinical stage and expects to begin its first human clinical trials in 2009.
For more information visit www.cardiorobotics.com.
About Eagle Ventures
Eagle Ventures is a Shadyside-based private equity firm that helps entrepreneurs develop the articulation of their value proposition and secure the funding they deserve from select groups of angel investors. Mel Pirchesky, its president and CEO, and an entrepreneur himself, and has raised over $63 million of private equity solely from high net worth individuals mostly from the Pittsburgh region. These funds have been deployed almost entirely in western PA entrepreneurial opportunities. Eagle’s current focus is financing medical device startups and acquiring small profitable manufacturing companies. On the personal side, Mel Pirchesky’s lifetime commitment is to create a level playing field for low-income youngsters. He manifests this by strongly promoting the expansion of the Greater Pittsburgh Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s Scoutreach Program to include really hard-to-reach youngsters.
For more information, visit www.EagleVentures.biz.
About Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse
The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG) provides capital investments and customized company formation and business growth services to western Pennsylvania’s life sciences enterprises. The PLSG supports biosciences companies with promising innovations in the following concentrations: Biotechnology Tools, Diagnostics, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices and Therapeutics. The PLSG is propelling the sustainable growth of the region’s life sciences economy by accelerating research and technology commercialization with seed and early-stage companies; connecting investors with their Investment Portfolio companies; expanding established life sciences ventures and relocating biomedical companies to Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit www.plsg.com.
About Slater Technology Fund
The Slater Technology Fund is a state-backed venture capital fund that invests in new ventures committed to basing and building their businesses in Rhode Island. Slater focuses its resources on the support of entrepreneurs who have the vision, leadership and commitment to build substantial commercial enterprises. Slater typically invests at the inception stage in the development of a new venture, often based upon ideas and technologies originating in academic institutions and/or government research laboratories located within the region. In most cases, investments are premised upon the possibility of raising substantial follow-on financing, from venture capital investors or from strategic partners, with a view toward accelerating the generation of significant numbers of high-value, high-wage jobs over the intermediate to longer-term.
For more information, visit www.slaterfund.com.
RF Hardware Developer Rayspan raise $12.5M
PRESS RELEASE
“Rayspan is on track to global leadership in developing and commercializing the exciting new field of metamaterials for wireless communications,” said Pierre Lamond, General Partner at Khosla Ventures. “Their advanced and proprietary technology is strongly differentiated and market-proven, and we believe they will become an industry-leading air interface provider in the huge wireless markets they target.”
Rayspan Corporation, the world’s leading innovator of metamaterial air interface solutions for wireless communications, today announced that it has received US$12.5M in a Series B financing led by new investor Khosla Ventures, who was joined by existing Rayspan investor Sequoia Capital as well as individual private investors. The financing will be utilized by Rayspan to accelerate and expand the development and commercialization of its breakthrough metamaterial wireless technology.
“Rayspan is on track to global leadership in developing and commercializing the exciting new field of metamaterials for wireless communications,” said Pierre Lamond, General Partner at Khosla Ventures. “Their advanced and proprietary technology is strongly differentiated and market-proven, and we believe they will become an industry-leading air interface provider in the huge wireless markets they target.”
“Rayspan is delighted to have Khosla Ventures join its shareholders,” said Franz Birkner, CEO of the company. “Their support, together with that of Sequoia Capital, is a clear vote of confidence in Rayspan’s exciting opportunity to broadly deploy its breakthrough metamaterial air interface solutions in the world’s largest WLAN and 2/3/4G cellular handset markets.”
About Rayspan
Founded in 2006, Rayspan is the world’s leading innovator of metamaterial air interface solutions for wireless communications. Metamaterials provide breakthrough improvements in antenna and RF front-end component miniaturization, performance, cost reduction and ease of manufacture. Rayspan’s solutions support a full range of fixed and mobile wireless WAN and LAN applications including all 2/3/4G cellular handsets, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS.
Founded in 2006, Rayspan is the world’s leading innovator of metamaterial air interface solutions for wireless communications. Metamaterials provide breakthrough improvements in antenna and RF front-end component miniaturization, performance, cost reduction and ease of manufacture. Rayspan’s solutions support a full range of fixed and mobile wireless WAN and LAN applications including all 2/3/4G cellular handsets, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS.
To learn more about Rayspan Corporation visit http://www.rayspan.com .
Friday 24 July 2009
Medical Ultrasound Imaging developer Signostics raise $4M
PRESS RELEASE
Signostics Inc., a U.S. and Australian-based medical device company developing groundbreaking personal ultrasound devices, announced today it has raised US$4 million in its latest round of financing, including new investments from Australian-based venture capital firms Brandon Capital Partners, Playford Capital, and Terra Rossa Capital, bringing the total amount raised to US$13 million to date.
Signostics is pioneering a new generation of palm-sized, affordable personal ultrasound devices for point-of-care use by medical practitioners and veterinarians. The company recently obtained U.S. FDA and Australian TGA regulatory clearances and its Signos and SpeqView products also now bear the European CE mark.
“With rising healthcare costs and healthcare spending being re-evaluated, our breakthrough technology creates a much more affordable tool to deliver faster diagnosis at the point of care. Our products have many applications that are attractive in many different markets and the additional capital we raised will help us grow into our key target segments,” said Dr. Neil Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of Signostics.
“In addition, although the current global economic environment has created challenges for most companies to raise sufficient capital, investors believe in our innovative approach to providing significantly more affordable ultrasound technology to clinicians and in our platform’s potential to improve patient outcomes with a faster, more accessible diagnostic tool at the point of care,”
Dr. Bartlett concluded.
The company has also expanded its board of directors, adding four new directors, including David Fisher, Amanda Heyworth, Des Masters and David Shaw.
David Fisher has over 25 years experience in the biotechnology and medical devices sector, including CEO of Peptech Ltd, senior roles with Pharmacia AB in Sweden, and is currently Managing Director of Brandon Capital Partners, an Australian venture capital firm.
Amanda Heyworth is CEO of Playford Capital, serves on the board of several other organizations, co-founded a software company, taught marketing for the Australian Graduate School of Management and worked in strategy roles at the Australian Stock Exchange and the Wallis Inquiry into the Financial System.
Des Masters has had a 32-year career in banking in Australia, including several years responsible in corporate banking managing a portfolio of over $3 billion. Since retiring from corporate banking, Mr. Masters has been active in government and university assistance programs including managing the University of Adelaide’s enterprise education programs.
David Shaw has worked in the medical device industry for 15 years and is presently affiliated with Monterey Advisors, Inc., a management, operations and investment consulting firm focused exclusively on medical technologies. Prior to Monterey Advisors, Mr. Shaw served for five years as Vice President, Legal Affairs and General Counsel of Kyphon Inc., a NASDAQ-traded medical device company focused on minimally invasive spinal therapies that was sold to Medtronic, Inc. in 2007 for $4.2 billion. Before Kyphon, Mr. Shaw held various senior legal positions at Intuitive Surgical, Inc., a medical robotics company.
Signostics was established in Adelaide, Australia in 2005 and expanded into the U.S. in 2008, dedicated to developing fast and affordable point-of-care medical devices. The company launched its first product into the veterinarian market in January 2009 and gained regulatory approvals to enter the human medical device market for the United States, Europe, and Australia in May 2009. Signostics has offices in Palo Alto, California and Adelaide, South Australia.
Signostics Inc., a U.S. and Australian-based medical device company developing groundbreaking personal ultrasound devices, announced today it has raised US$4 million in its latest round of financing, including new investments from Australian-based venture capital firms Brandon Capital Partners, Playford Capital, and Terra Rossa Capital, bringing the total amount raised to US$13 million to date.
Signostics is pioneering a new generation of palm-sized, affordable personal ultrasound devices for point-of-care use by medical practitioners and veterinarians. The company recently obtained U.S. FDA and Australian TGA regulatory clearances and its Signos and SpeqView products also now bear the European CE mark.
“With rising healthcare costs and healthcare spending being re-evaluated, our breakthrough technology creates a much more affordable tool to deliver faster diagnosis at the point of care. Our products have many applications that are attractive in many different markets and the additional capital we raised will help us grow into our key target segments,” said Dr. Neil Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of Signostics.
“In addition, although the current global economic environment has created challenges for most companies to raise sufficient capital, investors believe in our innovative approach to providing significantly more affordable ultrasound technology to clinicians and in our platform’s potential to improve patient outcomes with a faster, more accessible diagnostic tool at the point of care,”
Dr. Bartlett concluded.
The company has also expanded its board of directors, adding four new directors, including David Fisher, Amanda Heyworth, Des Masters and David Shaw.
David Fisher has over 25 years experience in the biotechnology and medical devices sector, including CEO of Peptech Ltd, senior roles with Pharmacia AB in Sweden, and is currently Managing Director of Brandon Capital Partners, an Australian venture capital firm.
Amanda Heyworth is CEO of Playford Capital, serves on the board of several other organizations, co-founded a software company, taught marketing for the Australian Graduate School of Management and worked in strategy roles at the Australian Stock Exchange and the Wallis Inquiry into the Financial System.
Des Masters has had a 32-year career in banking in Australia, including several years responsible in corporate banking managing a portfolio of over $3 billion. Since retiring from corporate banking, Mr. Masters has been active in government and university assistance programs including managing the University of Adelaide’s enterprise education programs.
David Shaw has worked in the medical device industry for 15 years and is presently affiliated with Monterey Advisors, Inc., a management, operations and investment consulting firm focused exclusively on medical technologies. Prior to Monterey Advisors, Mr. Shaw served for five years as Vice President, Legal Affairs and General Counsel of Kyphon Inc., a NASDAQ-traded medical device company focused on minimally invasive spinal therapies that was sold to Medtronic, Inc. in 2007 for $4.2 billion. Before Kyphon, Mr. Shaw held various senior legal positions at Intuitive Surgical, Inc., a medical robotics company.
Signostics was established in Adelaide, Australia in 2005 and expanded into the U.S. in 2008, dedicated to developing fast and affordable point-of-care medical devices. The company launched its first product into the veterinarian market in January 2009 and gained regulatory approvals to enter the human medical device market for the United States, Europe, and Australia in May 2009. Signostics has offices in Palo Alto, California and Adelaide, South Australia.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Smart Metering company Advanced Telemetry closes Series B investment
PRESS RELEASE
Advanced Telemetry (www.AdvancedTelemetry.com), developer of the “EcoViewTM“ smart energy and resource management system for business and residential applications, today announced that it has successfully closed its Series B investment round with funding lead by Quercus Trust and a co-investment from 21Ventures. Both Quercus Trust and 21Ventures were investors in Advanced Telemetry’s Series A round. The funds will be used to increase production and to expand sales channels of EcoView Residential and EcoView Commercial.
EcoView Commercial has been installed with franchisees of some of the nations largest quick service and full service restaurants including Taco Bell, Burger King, Arby’s, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and others and has won substantial acclaim from customers and distributors for its ease of installation, industry leading price point, substantial functionality, and rapid return on investment. Demand for EcoView Commercial has surged along with the number of company’s vying to distribute the technology since, through an escalating number of real world installations, the user-friendly system has proven its ability to reduce utility bills by as much as 25% and deliver a return on investment in a few short months.
“We are very excited to welcome Quercus Trust and 21Ventures as investors in this round. They have been strong supporters of Advanced Telemetry since inception and these funds will help us achieve the vast potential of our Company to bring our robust, cost effective energy management solution to small commercial buildings and residences,” said Gus Ezcurra, CEO of
Advanced Telemetry.
“Advanced Telemetry continues to be an industry leader with its unique approach to energy management for the underserved small commercial market and the residential market. We are proud that Advanced Telemetry is one of the few enterprise level solutions that is available now in the marketplace and currently saving its customers substantial dollars by reducing their energy bills, and staying true to its commitment to the environment by reducing its customers’ energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said David Anthony, managing partner for 21Ventures.
EcoView Commercial transforms how electricity and other precious resources are conserved both at home and in business, resulting in considerable monetary savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Controlled through a simple-to-install wireless touch panel “dashboard” or web interface and completely independent of a utility company, the system helps business users understand and track how they are consuming resources.
EcoView Commercial Features:
* On-site “dashboard” touch panel for graphical viewing of real-time and historical resource consumption data* Web-based interface for real-time usage reporting and remote thermostat control* Centralized, remote control of thermostats including set points, schedules, and heating and cooling limits that eliminates suboptimal local control* Innovative, automated load-shedding option designed to reduce consumption during peak demand periods* Dedicated Advanced Telemetry account specialists charged with monitoring customers’ consumption for anomalies and continually updating thermostat settings for optimal performance and savings* Automated email alerts
* On-site “dashboard” touch panel for graphical viewing of real-time and historical resource consumption data* Web-based interface for real-time usage reporting and remote thermostat control* Centralized, remote control of thermostats including set points, schedules, and heating and cooling limits that eliminates suboptimal local control* Innovative, automated load-shedding option designed to reduce consumption during peak demand periods* Dedicated Advanced Telemetry account specialists charged with monitoring customers’ consumption for anomalies and continually updating thermostat settings for optimal performance and savings* Automated email alerts
About Advanced Telemetry, LLC
With a corporate belief that energy and fiscal conservation begins with an awareness of wasteful consumption habits as they occur, Advanced Telemetry offers EcoViewTM – a proprietary, smart energy and resource management system for both residential and small commercial applications. Server-based, Web accessible and built with an open standard automation protocol, EcoView is the most cost-effective, future-proof system available that enables users to easily view, manage and reduce their resource consumption - and thus utility bills and carbon footprint – in real-time. This is among the reasons why Advanced Telemetry’s technology is being utilized by General Electric as part of its EcomaginationTM SmartCommandTM program. Founded in 2007, Advanced Telemetry is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit www.advancedtelemetry.com or call (858) 549-1083.
About Quercus Trust
Quercus Trust of Newport Beach, California is recognized as one of the leading CleanTech venture funds in North America with strategic investments in the clean technology areas of solar, water, bio-fuels, wind and batteries. Quercus Trust is known to provide more value than just funding and takes a long-term view of invested capital leveraging its industry expertise and relationships for the benefit of its portfolio companies.
About 21Ventures
21Ventures is a virtual technology incubator focusing on the ideas and innovations that will dominate the 21st century. Since its founding in 2003, 21Ventures has provided seed, growth, and bridge capital to over 39 technology ventures across the globe. 21Ventures’ expertise is in the clean-tech space, where it focuses on wind, solar, water, energy storage, efficiency and, agriculture. 21Ventures invests in other sectors as opportunities arise. Unlike traditional VCs, 21Ventures leads its companies and its investors to success by providing shared resources such as grant writing; technical consulting and web based marketing services provided through its affiliate, Expansion Media. The virtual incubator sponsored by 21Ventures provides an ideal framework for companies competing in an ever evolving, global marketplace.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
IT Database Virtualization from Akiba raise $6M
Akiba Technologies Inc., a Boston-based database virtualization startup, has raised $6.53 million in Series A funding, according to a regulatory filing. Backers include Foundation Capital and North Bridge Venture Partners. Steve Vassallo of Foundation and Michael Skok of North Bridge took board seats.
The company does not have a website, but said the following about itself in a job ad:
Akiba, Inc., a Boston-based startup, is developing a database virtualization solution that enables effortless scalability of a database across nodes, both within the enterprise and in the cloud. Based on our patent-pending Akiba Orthogonal Architecture (AOA), we have practically eliminated the complexity of managing joins across a relational database, turning an I/O problem into a scalable CPU solution. AOA breaks through long-established barriers of performance and scalability. Administration needs are cut to a fraction of previous levels thanks to self-healing techniques. Early customers, along with a working prototype have validated both the technology and Akiba’s unique value proposition.
Fuel cell and Hydrogen Energy company Intelligent Energy raises $30M
PRESS RELEASE
Leading clean power systems company Intelligent Energy today announced that it has raised $30 million (USD) at a material uplift in price received per ordinary share compared to previous funding rounds. The money raised from both existing and new investors will be used to provide for the next stage of Intelligent Energy’s growth, as it accelerates the commercialisation of its fuel cell power systems into its targeted mass markets.
Intelligent Energy’s range of clean power system platforms based on its proprietary fuel cell technology has enabled it to target global mass markets through strong partnerships with blue chip customers that include Scottish & Southern Energy Plc and The Suzuki Motor Corporation.
“There now exists a stronger sense of realism within the clean energy sector, with major players now expected to produce tangible results,” explained Intelligent Energy’s Chief Executive, Henri Winand. “Only companies with solid execution and scalable businesses with clear pathways to commercialisation have been able to attract financing in such a challenging environment. The investment is a testament to the continued excellence in product development and very real commercial progress that Intelligent Energy has demonstrated with its partners.”
“All our target markets offer very significant growth opportunities on a global scale and with these funds we will continue to accelerate the commercialisation phase of our business plan by driving the delivery of our blue chip partners’ clean fuel and power products to their consumer markets,” continued Dr. Winand.
The recent round of fundraising will be followed by an open offer to all existing shareholders later in the year.
Intelligent EnergyIntelligent Energy is a clean power systems company, with a range of leading fuel cell and hydrogen generation technologies. The company is focused on the provision of cleaner power and low carbon technologies. Intelligent Energy partners with leading companies globally, in the transportation, oil and gas, aerospace, defence, distributed generation and portable power markets. Current partners and customers include Scottish & Southern Energy plc with whom the company has formed a joint venture to commercialise fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and The Suzuki Motor Corporation. Intelligent Energy’s successes in recent years include the development of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell motorbike and supplying the fuel cell system to Boeing which powered the world’s first manned fuel cell aircraft.
www.intelligent-energy.com
www.intelligent-energy.com
Monday 20 July 2009
Irish Sleep Monitoring company BiancaMed raise Euro 6M
PRESS RELEASE
BiancaMed announced today that it has received an additional €6 million funding.
This new capital will allow the company to expand its core team, accelerate the launch of several innovative consumer products with existing ‘go-to-market’ partners targeting the wellness space, and continue the development of clinical products targeting unmet needs in areas, such as sleep apnoea screening and disease management.
This second round funding was led by pan-European venture capital firm Seventure Partners. This is the first time that Seventure has invested outside of continental Europe. Three of BiancaMed’s existing investors ePlanet, Enterprise Ireland and ResMed also participated in this round. Go4Venture advised the company in its fund-raising process.
BiancaMed co-founder and CEO Conor Hanley said “With this new financing we will be able to accelerate the commercial development of our proprietary non contact sleep monitoring technology. It is a strong validation of our firm’s technology and strategy that we have secured investment from a new value-add investor such as Seventure and the continued support of our existing investors. We look forward to working with our investors and BiancaMed will undoubtedly benefit from the wealth of healthcare experience that non-executive board members bring to the table.”
Donald Fitzmaurice, BiancaMed’s Chairman and a Partner with ePlanet commented: “We have been strong supporters of BiancaMed since our initial investment in the company in 2005 and we have been impressed with the progress the team has been able to make from a technology and business perspective in the past three years. Sleep is increasingly recognised as a major component of health and wellness, alongside diet and exercise. We expect the market for sleep monitoring products to grow strongly in the coming years and BiancaMed is very well positioned to benefit from this growth. The company is at an exciting point in its commercial development.”
Mark Payne, Director of ResMed’s Sleep Business Unit in Europe said “Too many patients suffer unnecessarily from sleep-disordered breathing and related co-morbidities. This step toward full commercialisation of BiancaMed’s unique contactless technologies will provide hope to many patients and clinicians searching for easier access to novel, accurate, and innovative SDB screening solutions.”
Seventure General Partner, Isabelle de Cremoux said “BiancaMed is a unique company with a breakthrough technology in the massive, $20 billion global sleep market. With technology and market potential already validated through partnership agreements with leading corporations and an impressive product pipeline in new areas such as heart failure monitoring, BiancaMed offers a compelling investment opportunity for us in the Life Sciences area. BiancaMed is Seventure’s first investment outside of continental Europe and we look forward to working with Conor and other members of this entrepreneurial executive team.”
Iain Wilcock of Seventure will join BiancaMed’s Board of Directors. Wilcock comes to BiancaMed with extensive experience of Healthcare investing. He has previously served as a non-executive director of a number of companies, including Avidex, Oxxon Therapeutics, Xention, and Vivacta.
About BiancaMed LtdFounded in 2003, BiancaMed is a medical technology company based in Dublin, and Sunnyvale, California. BiancaMed has developed and is commercialising SleepMinder; a contactless, accurate device for the measurement of sleep and breathing in the home setting. Major shareholders include Enterprise Ireland, DFJ ePlanetVentures, ResMed and now Seventure.
The core of its proprietary technology is a sensitive radio frequency motion sensor that can detect respiration and movement without being connected to the human body. The sensor incorporates sophisticated biometric software that converts the motion data into a measurement of sleep. BiancaMed is working with several major corporations to launch a range of consumer products in 2010. In addition, BiancaMed is developing a sleep apnoea diagnostic product and the company has launched a sleep monitoring service. http://www.biancamed.comAbout ePlanetVenturesePlanetVentures is a leading global venture capital firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in London, New Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Shanghai, and Beijing, as well as a presence in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo.
ePlanetVentures has invested in over 80 innovative high-growth companies world-wide, resulting in a number of landmark exits including Baidu (NASDAQ listing in August 2005, presently circa. $12b market cap), Skype (sold to eBay for approx. $3b in 2005), and Focus Media (NASDAQ listing 2005, presently circa. $6b market cap).
ePlanetVentures is one of the leaders in promoting the cross-border migration of technological innovation, business models and entrepreneurship. The Fund invests in sectors such as the Internet (consumer Internet, Internet services and applications), wireless communications and applications, VoIP and other broadband services, entertainment, semiconductor design, medical technology and other emerging services sectors. ePlanet also seeks to make investments in traditional, established industries where business-model improvements have the power to create category-dominant companies in the world’s fastest growing markets.
ePlanetVentures won the China Venture Capital Association Exit of the Year 2005 for Baidu, and the European Venture Capital Association Deal of the Year 2005 Award for Skype, and has been profiled in FORBES Feb 2008 amongst the Top 10 global venture capital investors. www.eplanetventures.comAbout Seventure PartnersAs one of the leading venture capital firms in Europe, Seventure manages €500m and has being investing since 1997 in innovative businesses with high growth potential in Information and Communication Technologies and in Life Sciences. The Life Sciences team invests all over Europe. Its four preferred sectors are Biotech & Pharmaceuticals, Medtech, Industrial Biotech & Cleantech, and Lifestyle Healthcare & nutrition. A typical investment ranges from €500k to €10m per round, up to €20m per company, from early to later stage. Seventure is a subsidiary of Natixis Private Equity, the asset management company of Natixis, with over €4.2b in private equity investments. www.seventure.fr
About ResMedResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical equipment for treating, diagnosing, and managing sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory disorders. We are dedicated to developing innovative products to improve the lives of those who suffer from these conditions and to increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated sleep-disordered breathing. www.resmed.com.
About Go4VentureGo4Venture is an investment bank specialising in advising on and executing growth strategies for fast-growing innovative companies and their shareholders, including capital raising, M&A and valuation services. Bringing together an international team of seasoned professionals that combines investment banking, venture capital and technology industry expertise, Go4Venture has become particularly well-known for its international equity private placements services, where it has reached a position of leadership. For the past 10 years, Go4Venture has advised leaders in all areas of telecoms (www.blyk.com), media (www.carpo.com) technology (www.aldebaran-robotics.com), internet (www.webjam.com) and clean technology (www.electrops.it). Go4Venture Advisers LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. www.go4venture.com.
Laser Display developer Light Blue Optics raises $15M
PRESS RELEASE
Light Blue Optics (LBO), the industry-leading developer and supplier of laser-based pico projection systems, today announced closing of a US$15 million Series ‘A’ extension. Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) led the extension, with existing investors 3i Group plc, Earlybird Venture Capital, Capital-E and NESTA also participating. The money will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap across multiple markets including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. The Company’s first product – a projection engine suitable for integration into an accessory pico projector – is scheduled for release to OEM customers in Q4 09.
Light Blue Optics’ holographic laser projection technology delivers vibrant colours and focus-free operation, whilst maintaining the Class 1 laser safety classification essential to consumer electronics applications. Uniquely, the projection system can be touch-enabled, meaning any flat surface such as a table can be instantly transformed into a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for a touch screen and allowing users to interact with multi-media content in new and exciting ways.
Dr. Claus Schmidt, Managing Director of Robert Bosch Venture Capital said; “RBVC has a remit to invest in technologies of ground-breaking strategic importance and LBO has all the characteristics of a great investment. The Company impressed us with their potential to create and capture a new product category of mobile, energy-efficient, interactive displays. Their proprietary technology will open up entirely new applications and revenue opportunities in markets such as consumer electronics and we are pleased to join the existing investors in supporting this exciting venture.”
LBO also announced today the hire of Paul Goodridge as Chief Financial Officer. Paul brings with him 20 years of financial management experience and an impressive track record for company growth. Prior to joining LBO, Paul was Director of Finance at CSR plc for 8 years, managing the company’s migration from being venture-backed, through to its floatation on the London Stock Exchange and subsequent promotion to the FTSE 250.
Light Blue Optics’ CFO, Paul Goodridge said; “It’s rare to find an early-stage company with the high-growth profile of LBO. The Company has clear competitive advantage, excellent customer traction and a vast market opportunity. I am delighted to become part of the LBO team at this exciting time, and look forward to working with all our stakeholders to build significant value.”
Light Blue Optics’ CEO, Dr. Chris Harris added; “This $15 million financing round will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap and address a wider range of applications. It’s a very exciting opportunity, not least in the consumer electronics space where the market for pico projectors has been forecast to exceed US$1 billion within 5 years. We now have the world-beating technology, experienced team and strong investor syndicate in place to realise that opportunity and become the world’s leading supplier of miniature projection systems.”
Light Blue Optics (http://www.lightblueoptics.com/). Light Blue Optics (LBO) is a privately-owned developer and supplier of miniature projection systems.
Based on the Company’s patented holographic laser projection technology, LBO systems deliver high-quality video images that remain in focus at all distances. Their efficiency, small form factor, robustness and cost advantages make them ideally suited for deployment in multiple markets including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics.
LBO is funded by a group of investors including 3i Group plc., Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH, Earlybird Venture Capital and Capital-E.
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (http://www.rbvc.com/)
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) is the corporate venture company of the Robert Bosch GmbH, one of the largest private companies worldwide with more than €45.1 billion ($60 billion) of sales. Founded in 1886, Bosch is a leading global supplier of automotive, industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology.
RBVC invests in start-up companies either directly or via venture capital funds on a worldwide basis. Investment focus: Technology companies along the line of Bosch current and future business. RBVC provides capital for minority stakes in start-ups from early to expansion stage.
Light Blue Optics (LBO), the industry-leading developer and supplier of laser-based pico projection systems, today announced closing of a US$15 million Series ‘A’ extension. Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) led the extension, with existing investors 3i Group plc, Earlybird Venture Capital, Capital-E and NESTA also participating. The money will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap across multiple markets including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. The Company’s first product – a projection engine suitable for integration into an accessory pico projector – is scheduled for release to OEM customers in Q4 09.
Light Blue Optics’ holographic laser projection technology delivers vibrant colours and focus-free operation, whilst maintaining the Class 1 laser safety classification essential to consumer electronics applications. Uniquely, the projection system can be touch-enabled, meaning any flat surface such as a table can be instantly transformed into a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for a touch screen and allowing users to interact with multi-media content in new and exciting ways.
Dr. Claus Schmidt, Managing Director of Robert Bosch Venture Capital said; “RBVC has a remit to invest in technologies of ground-breaking strategic importance and LBO has all the characteristics of a great investment. The Company impressed us with their potential to create and capture a new product category of mobile, energy-efficient, interactive displays. Their proprietary technology will open up entirely new applications and revenue opportunities in markets such as consumer electronics and we are pleased to join the existing investors in supporting this exciting venture.”
LBO also announced today the hire of Paul Goodridge as Chief Financial Officer. Paul brings with him 20 years of financial management experience and an impressive track record for company growth. Prior to joining LBO, Paul was Director of Finance at CSR plc for 8 years, managing the company’s migration from being venture-backed, through to its floatation on the London Stock Exchange and subsequent promotion to the FTSE 250.
Light Blue Optics’ CFO, Paul Goodridge said; “It’s rare to find an early-stage company with the high-growth profile of LBO. The Company has clear competitive advantage, excellent customer traction and a vast market opportunity. I am delighted to become part of the LBO team at this exciting time, and look forward to working with all our stakeholders to build significant value.”
Light Blue Optics’ CEO, Dr. Chris Harris added; “This $15 million financing round will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap and address a wider range of applications. It’s a very exciting opportunity, not least in the consumer electronics space where the market for pico projectors has been forecast to exceed US$1 billion within 5 years. We now have the world-beating technology, experienced team and strong investor syndicate in place to realise that opportunity and become the world’s leading supplier of miniature projection systems.”
Light Blue Optics (http://www.lightblueoptics.com/). Light Blue Optics (LBO) is a privately-owned developer and supplier of miniature projection systems.
Based on the Company’s patented holographic laser projection technology, LBO systems deliver high-quality video images that remain in focus at all distances. Their efficiency, small form factor, robustness and cost advantages make them ideally suited for deployment in multiple markets including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics.
LBO is funded by a group of investors including 3i Group plc., Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH, Earlybird Venture Capital and Capital-E.
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (http://www.rbvc.com/)
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) is the corporate venture company of the Robert Bosch GmbH, one of the largest private companies worldwide with more than €45.1 billion ($60 billion) of sales. Founded in 1886, Bosch is a leading global supplier of automotive, industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology.
RBVC invests in start-up companies either directly or via venture capital funds on a worldwide basis. Investment focus: Technology companies along the line of Bosch current and future business. RBVC provides capital for minority stakes in start-ups from early to expansion stage.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Amimon raise $10 Million
AMIMON Inc., the market leader in wireless HD semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has raised $10 million in its latest round of funding. Led by Stata Venture Partners, this series D round of financing included all significant investors from prior rounds, in particular: Argonaut Private Equity, Cedar Fund, Evergreen Venture Partners, Walden Israel and Motorola through their strategic venture capital, Motorola Ventures.AMIMON's chipsets have been shipping in volume embedded in wireless HDTVs and video accessories by leading TV OEMs selling AMIMON-based products in the US, Europe and Japan. AMIMON's wireless technology has also enabled breakthrough products in the medical imaging and professional video markets.
Applying unique smart algorithms originating from Information Theory foundations: AMIMON's strong technical team has already developed and successfully launched six different chips with its prior funding. Engineering strengths coupled with a high-level of execution allowed for effective and efficient use of capital.Earlier this year AMIMON announced its second generation chipset designed for the WHDI™ (Wireless Home Digital Interface™) standard. It's the world's only chipset capable of wirelessly delivering full uncompressed 1080p/60Hz HD content throughout the entire home. WHDI chipsets will be integrated into wireless HDTV products and other WHDI devices from leading CE manufacturers."We are experiencing strong acceptance of our newly introduced 1080p/60Hz chipset; the additional funding will allow Amimon to seize this opportunity to solidify our leadership position," said Dr. Yoav Nissan-Cohen, chairman and CEO of AMIMON. "We will use this round of funding to enhance production and expand our worldwide operations to meet growing global demand for our technology in the consumer electronics market as well as the medical and professional video markets.""We are impressed with Amimon's efficient use of capital to develop products that work in the real world," said Lee Barbieri, Managing Partner of Stata Ventures. "It's clear by the industry's adoption, AMIMON offers a superior technology and this investment reaffirms our strong belief and increased confidence in AMIMON's technology.""The investment in AMIMON reflects Motorola's continued support for the company and the WHDI standard," said Paul Moroney, Motorola Fellow, CTO Office, Motorola Home and Networks Mobility. "This investment will help accelerate mass market adoption of WHDI as the standard for wireless HD connectivity to the display."About AMIMONAMIMON is a fabless semiconductor company pioneering wireless uncompressed high-definition video for universal connectivity among CE video devices. AMIMON is a founding member of the WHDI™ (Wireless Home Digital Interface) SIG formed by leading CE companies to define a new industry standard for multi-room wireless HDTV connectivity.AMIMON is headquartered in Herzlia, Israel, with offices in Santa Clara, Calif., USA; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, Korea. More information is available at www.amimon.com and www.whdi.org.
Applying unique smart algorithms originating from Information Theory foundations: AMIMON's strong technical team has already developed and successfully launched six different chips with its prior funding. Engineering strengths coupled with a high-level of execution allowed for effective and efficient use of capital.Earlier this year AMIMON announced its second generation chipset designed for the WHDI™ (Wireless Home Digital Interface™) standard. It's the world's only chipset capable of wirelessly delivering full uncompressed 1080p/60Hz HD content throughout the entire home. WHDI chipsets will be integrated into wireless HDTV products and other WHDI devices from leading CE manufacturers."We are experiencing strong acceptance of our newly introduced 1080p/60Hz chipset; the additional funding will allow Amimon to seize this opportunity to solidify our leadership position," said Dr. Yoav Nissan-Cohen, chairman and CEO of AMIMON. "We will use this round of funding to enhance production and expand our worldwide operations to meet growing global demand for our technology in the consumer electronics market as well as the medical and professional video markets.""We are impressed with Amimon's efficient use of capital to develop products that work in the real world," said Lee Barbieri, Managing Partner of Stata Ventures. "It's clear by the industry's adoption, AMIMON offers a superior technology and this investment reaffirms our strong belief and increased confidence in AMIMON's technology.""The investment in AMIMON reflects Motorola's continued support for the company and the WHDI standard," said Paul Moroney, Motorola Fellow, CTO Office, Motorola Home and Networks Mobility. "This investment will help accelerate mass market adoption of WHDI as the standard for wireless HD connectivity to the display."About AMIMONAMIMON is a fabless semiconductor company pioneering wireless uncompressed high-definition video for universal connectivity among CE video devices. AMIMON is a founding member of the WHDI™ (Wireless Home Digital Interface) SIG formed by leading CE companies to define a new industry standard for multi-room wireless HDTV connectivity.AMIMON is headquartered in Herzlia, Israel, with offices in Santa Clara, Calif., USA; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, Korea. More information is available at www.amimon.com and www.whdi.org.
Kovio Raise $20 Million
Kovio, Inc., a privately held pioneer in printed silicon electronics, today announced that to date it has raised $20 million in Series E financing, all from its current investors. With this series of funding, Kovio plans to commence volume shipments of its Kovio RF Barcodes, a new category of barcode that leverages low cost and eco-friendly printed electronics to affordably and securely bring intelligence to everyday things - from transit tickets to consumer products.
“The continued support of our world-class investor team validates the strength of Kovio’s vision and the growing momentum behind bringing its RF Barcodes to market,” said Amir Mashkoori, president and CEO, Kovio. “Our investors recognize that Kovio has immense potential, with an opportunity to serve a market of literally trillions of products. This round of funding will provide Kovio the capital required to reach its next significant milestone - volume shipments of the first printed RF Barcodes in the industry.”
Kovio plans to bring together the online and physical worlds through RF Barcodes that are printed utilizing Kovio’s proprietary silicon inks and high-performance graphics printing technologies. Kovio’s RF Barcodes are designed to affordably and securely enable a wide range of digital information for everyday consumer products, including product details, direct access to Web sites, nutritional information or even promotional programs. The digital information that is enabled by Kovio RF Barcodes and accessed through ubiquitous mediums such as the mobile phone, creates new opportunities in promotions and authentication at the item-level, enabling a new communication medium for brands and retailers to interact with consumers at the point of sale.
Kovio investors who participated in the current round of financing include Bessemer Venture Partners, Duff Ackerman & Goodrich Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mitsui Ventures, Northgate Capital, Panasonic Venture Group, Pangaea Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures and Yasuda Enterprise Development.
“We are very excited about the Kovio opportunity,” said Rob Chandra, partner, Bessemer Venture Partners. “Kovio is a company that is creating a new category of products with unique, protectable technology, and we believe the market they can enable is enormous. As a result, they fit our highly selective investment profile very well.”
Kovio’s printed silicon platform can also be applied to a range of other applications, including sensors and displays, expanding the company’s potential market opportunity beyond RF barcodes. This financing announcement follows a series of recent company award wins, including the 2009 Red Herring 100 North America, the 2008 and 2009 IDTechEx Printed Electronics Awards for New Product Development, and the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal 2008 Emerging Tech Special Judges’ Award.
About Kovio, Inc.
Kovio, Inc., a privately held Silicon Valley company, is developing a new category of semiconductor products using printed silicon electronics and thin-film technology. Kovio’s approach delivers a unique and compelling value proposition in multiple industries, including retail, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing and energy.
Kovio’s investors are Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bessemer Venture Partners, Duff Ackerman & Goodrich Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Mitsui Ventures, Northgate Capital, Panasonic Venture Group, Pangaea Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures, Toppan Forms and Yasuda Enterprise Development.
For more information on Kovio, please visit http://www.kovio.com.
“The continued support of our world-class investor team validates the strength of Kovio’s vision and the growing momentum behind bringing its RF Barcodes to market,” said Amir Mashkoori, president and CEO, Kovio. “Our investors recognize that Kovio has immense potential, with an opportunity to serve a market of literally trillions of products. This round of funding will provide Kovio the capital required to reach its next significant milestone - volume shipments of the first printed RF Barcodes in the industry.”
Kovio plans to bring together the online and physical worlds through RF Barcodes that are printed utilizing Kovio’s proprietary silicon inks and high-performance graphics printing technologies. Kovio’s RF Barcodes are designed to affordably and securely enable a wide range of digital information for everyday consumer products, including product details, direct access to Web sites, nutritional information or even promotional programs. The digital information that is enabled by Kovio RF Barcodes and accessed through ubiquitous mediums such as the mobile phone, creates new opportunities in promotions and authentication at the item-level, enabling a new communication medium for brands and retailers to interact with consumers at the point of sale.
Kovio investors who participated in the current round of financing include Bessemer Venture Partners, Duff Ackerman & Goodrich Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mitsui Ventures, Northgate Capital, Panasonic Venture Group, Pangaea Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures and Yasuda Enterprise Development.
“We are very excited about the Kovio opportunity,” said Rob Chandra, partner, Bessemer Venture Partners. “Kovio is a company that is creating a new category of products with unique, protectable technology, and we believe the market they can enable is enormous. As a result, they fit our highly selective investment profile very well.”
Kovio’s printed silicon platform can also be applied to a range of other applications, including sensors and displays, expanding the company’s potential market opportunity beyond RF barcodes. This financing announcement follows a series of recent company award wins, including the 2009 Red Herring 100 North America, the 2008 and 2009 IDTechEx Printed Electronics Awards for New Product Development, and the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal 2008 Emerging Tech Special Judges’ Award.
About Kovio, Inc.
Kovio, Inc., a privately held Silicon Valley company, is developing a new category of semiconductor products using printed silicon electronics and thin-film technology. Kovio’s approach delivers a unique and compelling value proposition in multiple industries, including retail, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing and energy.
Kovio’s investors are Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bessemer Venture Partners, Duff Ackerman & Goodrich Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Mitsui Ventures, Northgate Capital, Panasonic Venture Group, Pangaea Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures, Toppan Forms and Yasuda Enterprise Development.
For more information on Kovio, please visit http://www.kovio.com.
Monday 13 July 2009
Apesoft raise $3.8 Million
Apesoft, a Business Intelligence software solutions company headquartered in Barcelona and with offices in the US, today announced that it has secured a $3.8 Million round of equity financing from DEBAEQUE.
“We welcome this round of investment from truly value-added investors who have teamed with Apesoft to leverage an international expansion in the United States,” said Jaume Juan, founder of Apesoft. “This funding enables us to expand our global presence faster.”
“Apesoft strengthens our portfolio presence in the Spanish software industry, where we have a unique position with three of the most representative local players. We are really pleased to be part of this exciting venture,” said Patrick Raibaut, founding partner at DEBAEQUE Venture Capital.
With this funding from leading Spanish investors such as DEBAEQUE, Apesoft is poised for significant future growth and leadership in its markets. For instance, Apesoft has experienced very strong growth in the last years. In 2009 the company forecasts strong double digit growth (+64%) due to its international expansion and plans to create more than 100 new jobs in the next year.
About Apesoft
Apesoft is a Business Intelligence software company founded in 1994, headquartered in Spain, and with offices in the US. Apesoft operates in 10 countries through a network of qualified resellers, consulting partners and OEMs, who strive to help their customers operate more efficiently, increase productivity, save time, and rise to the challenges of competition.
Apesoft provides complementary high value Business Intelligence software solutions to organizations of all sizes addressing the need to extend their analytical capabilities throughout the company, optimize decision-making processes, improve the ability to identify opportunities, adjust to changes in the competitive environment, and drive improvements in business performance.
More than 6,000 users in 250 organizations depend on Apesoft’s flagship server-based Excel report automation and distribution system, DataCycle Reporting.
For additional information, see: www.Apesoft.com
About DEBAEQUE
DEBAEQUE is an independent venture capital firm, based since 2001 in Spain, dedicated to investments in TMT (Telecommunications, Media and Technology) with a specific focus in the software and Internet/media industries.
DEBAEQUE seeks out the top entrepreneurial teams in each investment area and then brings to bear all of its core assets in helping the entrepreneurs to build their company. DEBAEQUE’s involvement has ranged from helping companies get started and structuring spin-outs to assessing strategic options, recruiting key personnel, providing marketing assistance and closing business development deals.
DEBAEQUE has a unique and distinguishing focus in the field of investment, with special emphasis on generating business in its portfolio’s companies.
DEBAEQUE’s software investments include Oasyssoft (www.oasyssoft.com) and NTR Global (www.ntrglobal.com).
“We welcome this round of investment from truly value-added investors who have teamed with Apesoft to leverage an international expansion in the United States,” said Jaume Juan, founder of Apesoft. “This funding enables us to expand our global presence faster.”
“Apesoft strengthens our portfolio presence in the Spanish software industry, where we have a unique position with three of the most representative local players. We are really pleased to be part of this exciting venture,” said Patrick Raibaut, founding partner at DEBAEQUE Venture Capital.
With this funding from leading Spanish investors such as DEBAEQUE, Apesoft is poised for significant future growth and leadership in its markets. For instance, Apesoft has experienced very strong growth in the last years. In 2009 the company forecasts strong double digit growth (+64%) due to its international expansion and plans to create more than 100 new jobs in the next year.
About Apesoft
Apesoft is a Business Intelligence software company founded in 1994, headquartered in Spain, and with offices in the US. Apesoft operates in 10 countries through a network of qualified resellers, consulting partners and OEMs, who strive to help their customers operate more efficiently, increase productivity, save time, and rise to the challenges of competition.
Apesoft provides complementary high value Business Intelligence software solutions to organizations of all sizes addressing the need to extend their analytical capabilities throughout the company, optimize decision-making processes, improve the ability to identify opportunities, adjust to changes in the competitive environment, and drive improvements in business performance.
More than 6,000 users in 250 organizations depend on Apesoft’s flagship server-based Excel report automation and distribution system, DataCycle Reporting.
For additional information, see: www.Apesoft.com
About DEBAEQUE
DEBAEQUE is an independent venture capital firm, based since 2001 in Spain, dedicated to investments in TMT (Telecommunications, Media and Technology) with a specific focus in the software and Internet/media industries.
DEBAEQUE seeks out the top entrepreneurial teams in each investment area and then brings to bear all of its core assets in helping the entrepreneurs to build their company. DEBAEQUE’s involvement has ranged from helping companies get started and structuring spin-outs to assessing strategic options, recruiting key personnel, providing marketing assistance and closing business development deals.
DEBAEQUE has a unique and distinguishing focus in the field of investment, with special emphasis on generating business in its portfolio’s companies.
DEBAEQUE’s software investments include Oasyssoft (www.oasyssoft.com) and NTR Global (www.ntrglobal.com).
Nanoradio sign agreement with two new investors
Nanoradio today announced that they have signed an agreement with two new investors, Viking Venture and Creandum, who together with the current investors, Ferd Venture, Industrifonden, Innovacom, Nordic Venture Partners, Teknoinvest will fund Nanoradio through its growth phase.
The Nanoradio "Always On WiFi"(TM) solution - the NRX700/2 Wi-Fi chipset, which offers fully tested 802.11b/g functionality, featuring ultra-low power consumption, has won tremendous customer attraction. With the new investment, Nanoradio will be well equipped to support its volume growth together with a more ambitious launch plan of a new line of competitive products.
"This means a lot to us, and the investment in Nanoradio is a significant recognition, especially in this time when it is proven to be so hard to raise capital, of the trust in our team and our capability to deliver according to our plans, says Tord Wingren, President & CEO of Nanoradio AB. "The focus we have in our daily work, is to continue to provide world class WiFi solutions to Tier 1 Mobile Phone makers".
The Nanoradio WiFi solution is doubling the standby and talk time compared to standard WiFi enabled phone offerings. This results in that the WiFi enabled phone customers can adopt a behaviour of keeping the WiFi Always On, removing the need for a "turn on and off the WiFi behaviour" in order to save battery time. This will grow in significance, especially when operating in WiFi networks which are built to complement high speed 3G+ mobile networks.
"Nanoradio has taken a technology leading position with its competitive advantages in a fast growing market" says Jostein Vik, Partner in Viking Venture. The WiFi market in handheld devices has had substantial growth the last two years and are estimated to reach 20% coverage of the world mobile phones next year. "Viking Venture have seen Nanoradio's team ability to develop world class technology and to close deals with leading mobile phone suppliers" Jostein Vik continues.
"Nanoradio is probably the most exciting semiconductor company in the Nordic region. We were hugely impressed by Nanoradio's experienced management team as well as the tremendous response from the customers. Nanoradio is the first company to offer a solution that allows for having the WiFi-functionality constantly switched on without draining the battery. The market for this solution is enormous with hundreds of millions of WiFi-devices including mobile phones that may benefit from Nanoradio's technology", comments Martin Hauge, General Partner at Creandum.
About Nanoradio AB
Nanoradio is backed by Creandum, Ferd Venture, Industrifonden, Innovacom, Nordic Venture Partners, Teknoinvest and Viking Venture.
Nanoradio design semiconductors with wireless capability for the cellular and handheld market where buying decisions relate to power consumption, stability, physical size, and total cost for customers.
Nanoradio has developed the most integrated circuits which bring outstanding WLAN capabilities into mobile phones and consumer multimedia electronics. Nanoradio's Wi-Fi chips target a range of applications, including mobile phones, wireless network cameras for home surveillance, Portable media Players and gaming devices. Another big area for Nanoradio is the growing fixed-mobile convergence market with dual-mode phones.
The company was founded in March 2004 and it is a "fabless" company which means that all manufacturing is outsourced. Nanoradio has a leading team of extensive experience from the cellular and wireless industry as well as semiconductor industry and start-ups. The head-quarter is in Kista, Sweden and with sales offices in Korea, Japan and USA.
http://www.nanoradio.com
About Viking Venture
Viking Venture is one of the leading technology focused venture funds in Norway with 200 million USD (NOK 1.1 billion) under management. The investment company focuses on companies involved in electronics, software, oil & gas, materials and clean technology. Viking Venture typically invests in companies that have passed the seed phase and is ready for the commercialization phase. The fund is a very active owner with a substantial share in the portfolio companies.
http://www.vikingventure.com
About Creandum
Creandum is a Nordic venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies. The firm has 120 million Euros under management and is today the fastest growing independent partnership of its kind in the Nordic region. Creandum invests in innovative companies in high growth markets led by outstanding entrepreneurs. All investment professionals at Creandum has started companies or been part of successful startups. For more information, please visit http://www.creandum.com.
The Nanoradio "Always On WiFi"(TM) solution - the NRX700/2 Wi-Fi chipset, which offers fully tested 802.11b/g functionality, featuring ultra-low power consumption, has won tremendous customer attraction. With the new investment, Nanoradio will be well equipped to support its volume growth together with a more ambitious launch plan of a new line of competitive products.
"This means a lot to us, and the investment in Nanoradio is a significant recognition, especially in this time when it is proven to be so hard to raise capital, of the trust in our team and our capability to deliver according to our plans, says Tord Wingren, President & CEO of Nanoradio AB. "The focus we have in our daily work, is to continue to provide world class WiFi solutions to Tier 1 Mobile Phone makers".
The Nanoradio WiFi solution is doubling the standby and talk time compared to standard WiFi enabled phone offerings. This results in that the WiFi enabled phone customers can adopt a behaviour of keeping the WiFi Always On, removing the need for a "turn on and off the WiFi behaviour" in order to save battery time. This will grow in significance, especially when operating in WiFi networks which are built to complement high speed 3G+ mobile networks.
"Nanoradio has taken a technology leading position with its competitive advantages in a fast growing market" says Jostein Vik, Partner in Viking Venture. The WiFi market in handheld devices has had substantial growth the last two years and are estimated to reach 20% coverage of the world mobile phones next year. "Viking Venture have seen Nanoradio's team ability to develop world class technology and to close deals with leading mobile phone suppliers" Jostein Vik continues.
"Nanoradio is probably the most exciting semiconductor company in the Nordic region. We were hugely impressed by Nanoradio's experienced management team as well as the tremendous response from the customers. Nanoradio is the first company to offer a solution that allows for having the WiFi-functionality constantly switched on without draining the battery. The market for this solution is enormous with hundreds of millions of WiFi-devices including mobile phones that may benefit from Nanoradio's technology", comments Martin Hauge, General Partner at Creandum.
About Nanoradio AB
Nanoradio is backed by Creandum, Ferd Venture, Industrifonden, Innovacom, Nordic Venture Partners, Teknoinvest and Viking Venture.
Nanoradio design semiconductors with wireless capability for the cellular and handheld market where buying decisions relate to power consumption, stability, physical size, and total cost for customers.
Nanoradio has developed the most integrated circuits which bring outstanding WLAN capabilities into mobile phones and consumer multimedia electronics. Nanoradio's Wi-Fi chips target a range of applications, including mobile phones, wireless network cameras for home surveillance, Portable media Players and gaming devices. Another big area for Nanoradio is the growing fixed-mobile convergence market with dual-mode phones.
The company was founded in March 2004 and it is a "fabless" company which means that all manufacturing is outsourced. Nanoradio has a leading team of extensive experience from the cellular and wireless industry as well as semiconductor industry and start-ups. The head-quarter is in Kista, Sweden and with sales offices in Korea, Japan and USA.
http://www.nanoradio.com
About Viking Venture
Viking Venture is one of the leading technology focused venture funds in Norway with 200 million USD (NOK 1.1 billion) under management. The investment company focuses on companies involved in electronics, software, oil & gas, materials and clean technology. Viking Venture typically invests in companies that have passed the seed phase and is ready for the commercialization phase. The fund is a very active owner with a substantial share in the portfolio companies.
http://www.vikingventure.com
About Creandum
Creandum is a Nordic venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies. The firm has 120 million Euros under management and is today the fastest growing independent partnership of its kind in the Nordic region. Creandum invests in innovative companies in high growth markets led by outstanding entrepreneurs. All investment professionals at Creandum has started companies or been part of successful startups. For more information, please visit http://www.creandum.com.
Orthopedic Medical Device developer ConfirMIS raise $50 Million
In its largest round of funding to date, privately-held medical-device company ConforMIS, Inc. raised $50 million from private-equity and sovereign-wealth funds in the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East. ConforMIS reached this milestone in June, in a process that began in 2008.
“With this round of funding, we believe we are well positioned to continue investing in our breakthrough, patient-specific orthopedic implant technologies. Our technology platforms provide a scalable approach to the patient-specific design and manufacture of not just the instruments, but the actual implants as well,” said Philipp Lang, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of ConforMIS. “With our personalized approach to both the implants and instruments, we think the potential for product and business model innovation is substantial.”
Founded in 2004, ConforMIS has developed and commercialized the first and only line of personalized resurfacing implants and instruments for the routine treatment of knee osteoarthritis, a $6 billion global market. ConforMIS implants are a less-invasive, patient-specific alternative to traditional total knee replacement, which uses off-the-shelf components that may require significant removal of healthy tissue during the procedure. ConforMIS custom designs and manufactures each implant from an individual’s CT or MRI scan, providing a conforming fit that matches the patient’s anatomy and may potentially result in less traumatic surgery, more natural kinematics, and quicker recovery.
On the strength of this unique approach, ConforMIS attracted capital sources from a variety of global investors. Primary funding sources for this round include later-stage and cross-over funds and international government funds. ConforMIS is now backed by several multi-billion dollar international private-equity funds, with the single largest Series D investor being Aeris Capital (Zurich, Switzerland and Palo Alto, CA). Other investors in this round include equity funds from Asia, Germany, and the Middle East, including two sovereign-wealth funds, as well as venture funds who participated in previous rounds.
ConforMIS’ proprietary technology for custom implants and instruments is supported by more than 250 patents and patent applications, including several foundational patents awarded this year. Its technology and intellectual property apply not just to knee replacement, the largest single category of orthopedics, but broadly to the more than $20 billion global orthopedics market.
ConforMIS recently announced that it has received CE Mark certification for its iDuo® bicompartmental knee resurfacing system. The company had previously received CE Mark for its iForma® implant and its iUni® unicompartmental knee resurfacing system. All devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the U.S. For more information on ConforMIS and its line of products, please visit www.conformis.com.
About ConforMIS, Inc.
ConforMIS, Inc. is a privately-held company that develops and commercializes medical devices for osteoarthritis treatment and joint damage. Its proprietary intellectual property includes more than 250 patents and patent applications in the areas of imaging software, image processing, implant design, surgical techniques, instrumentation, and manufacturing. ConforMIS knee implants and instrumentation are designed to address all stages of osteoarthritis, the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. All devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the U.S. In 2009, ConforMIS was named a winner of the Medical Design Excellence Award, the premier recognition for contributions and advances in the design of medical products, for its iUni® and iDuo® resurfacing implants.
“With this round of funding, we believe we are well positioned to continue investing in our breakthrough, patient-specific orthopedic implant technologies. Our technology platforms provide a scalable approach to the patient-specific design and manufacture of not just the instruments, but the actual implants as well,” said Philipp Lang, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of ConforMIS. “With our personalized approach to both the implants and instruments, we think the potential for product and business model innovation is substantial.”
Founded in 2004, ConforMIS has developed and commercialized the first and only line of personalized resurfacing implants and instruments for the routine treatment of knee osteoarthritis, a $6 billion global market. ConforMIS implants are a less-invasive, patient-specific alternative to traditional total knee replacement, which uses off-the-shelf components that may require significant removal of healthy tissue during the procedure. ConforMIS custom designs and manufactures each implant from an individual’s CT or MRI scan, providing a conforming fit that matches the patient’s anatomy and may potentially result in less traumatic surgery, more natural kinematics, and quicker recovery.
On the strength of this unique approach, ConforMIS attracted capital sources from a variety of global investors. Primary funding sources for this round include later-stage and cross-over funds and international government funds. ConforMIS is now backed by several multi-billion dollar international private-equity funds, with the single largest Series D investor being Aeris Capital (Zurich, Switzerland and Palo Alto, CA). Other investors in this round include equity funds from Asia, Germany, and the Middle East, including two sovereign-wealth funds, as well as venture funds who participated in previous rounds.
ConforMIS’ proprietary technology for custom implants and instruments is supported by more than 250 patents and patent applications, including several foundational patents awarded this year. Its technology and intellectual property apply not just to knee replacement, the largest single category of orthopedics, but broadly to the more than $20 billion global orthopedics market.
ConforMIS recently announced that it has received CE Mark certification for its iDuo® bicompartmental knee resurfacing system. The company had previously received CE Mark for its iForma® implant and its iUni® unicompartmental knee resurfacing system. All devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the U.S. For more information on ConforMIS and its line of products, please visit www.conformis.com.
About ConforMIS, Inc.
ConforMIS, Inc. is a privately-held company that develops and commercializes medical devices for osteoarthritis treatment and joint damage. Its proprietary intellectual property includes more than 250 patents and patent applications in the areas of imaging software, image processing, implant design, surgical techniques, instrumentation, and manufacturing. ConforMIS knee implants and instrumentation are designed to address all stages of osteoarthritis, the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. All devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the U.S. In 2009, ConforMIS was named a winner of the Medical Design Excellence Award, the premier recognition for contributions and advances in the design of medical products, for its iUni® and iDuo® resurfacing implants.
Sunday 12 July 2009
Shocking Technologies $10M
SAN JOSE, CA- July 12, 2009 - Shocking Technologies, Inc. a privately held company developing Voltage Switchable DielectricTM (VSDTM) materials used for electrostatic discharge protection of cell phones, LED’s, semiconductors, and electronics, today announced it has raised $10M in the second round of funding led by Vista Ventures. Other participating investors include ARCH Venture Partners, ATA Ventures, Balch Hill Partners and private investors. Shocking Technologies is pleased to welcome Simon Michael, from Balch Hill Partners, as the newest member to the board of directors.
“Shocking’s embedded nano-composite technology solves a problem that has been plaguing the electronics industry for years. It will make design at both the system and chip level considerably easier and more effective” said Jim Hogan of Vista Ventures.
“We have been very fortunate that we’ve identified a huge problem and have been able to develop our unique patented solution,” said Lex Kosowsky, president and chief executive officer at Shocking Technologies. “The funding will allow us to build out our manufacturing infrastructure and continue our development as we work with our customers to bring our initial products, cell phones and flash drives to market in the coming months.”
About Shocking Technologies, Inc.
Shocking Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, venture-backed company developing “Voltage Switchable DielectricTM material is a polymer nano-composite that behaves like an insulator (dielectric) during normal circuit operation and becomes conductive when the voltage across the VSDTM material increases beyond a predefined threshold voltage. After the voltage drops below the threshold again, it switches back to an insulator. This unique property, coupled with the ability to tailor the response of the material, opens up several new areas in electronics. The first application being introduced enables embedded electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor packages. Subsequent applications will usher in new manufacturing processes as well as novel product designs. More information regarding the Company is available at www.shockingtech.com.
About Our Venture Capitalists
Vista is a closely held venture fund aimed at building and supporting great companies while providing exceptional returns for their investors.
ATA Ventures is a venture capital firm that seeks out unique IT companies that create superior technologies and solutions for very large market applications. With over $430 million of capital under management, ATA Ventures focuses on providing early stage financing to these companies. ATA’s investors include major foundations, fund of funds, pension funds, and endowments.
ARCH Venture Partners, one of the largest early stage technology venture firms in the U.S. with more than $1.5 billion under management, invests in the development of seed and early stage advanced technology companies that have the potential to grow rapidly into successful businesses. ARCH enjoys special recognition as a leader in the successful commercialization of technologies developed at academic research institutions, corporate research labs and national laboratories.
“Shocking’s embedded nano-composite technology solves a problem that has been plaguing the electronics industry for years. It will make design at both the system and chip level considerably easier and more effective” said Jim Hogan of Vista Ventures.
“We have been very fortunate that we’ve identified a huge problem and have been able to develop our unique patented solution,” said Lex Kosowsky, president and chief executive officer at Shocking Technologies. “The funding will allow us to build out our manufacturing infrastructure and continue our development as we work with our customers to bring our initial products, cell phones and flash drives to market in the coming months.”
About Shocking Technologies, Inc.
Shocking Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, venture-backed company developing “Voltage Switchable DielectricTM material is a polymer nano-composite that behaves like an insulator (dielectric) during normal circuit operation and becomes conductive when the voltage across the VSDTM material increases beyond a predefined threshold voltage. After the voltage drops below the threshold again, it switches back to an insulator. This unique property, coupled with the ability to tailor the response of the material, opens up several new areas in electronics. The first application being introduced enables embedded electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor packages. Subsequent applications will usher in new manufacturing processes as well as novel product designs. More information regarding the Company is available at www.shockingtech.com.
About Our Venture Capitalists
Vista is a closely held venture fund aimed at building and supporting great companies while providing exceptional returns for their investors.
ATA Ventures is a venture capital firm that seeks out unique IT companies that create superior technologies and solutions for very large market applications. With over $430 million of capital under management, ATA Ventures focuses on providing early stage financing to these companies. ATA’s investors include major foundations, fund of funds, pension funds, and endowments.
ARCH Venture Partners, one of the largest early stage technology venture firms in the U.S. with more than $1.5 billion under management, invests in the development of seed and early stage advanced technology companies that have the potential to grow rapidly into successful businesses. ARCH enjoys special recognition as a leader in the successful commercialization of technologies developed at academic research institutions, corporate research labs and national laboratories.
Thursday 9 July 2009
SolFocus raise $77.6 Million
SolFocus, the leading developer of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) systems, today announced that it has closed its Series C Funding round having raised $77.6 million. The company is completing its transition from pilot production to full scale commercialization, with the expansion of manufacturing from 0.5MW in 2008 to over 10MW to be shipped this year, with capacity for over 50MW going into 2011. The funds raised in this C Round will be used to support the rapid manufacturing ramp in the company’s transition to volume production. SolFocus announced a first close on the C Round in January of this year, at which time it had raised $47 million. Since that first close the company has raised an additional $30.6 million, bringing the total round to $77.6 million.
“Closing a round of investment with more than $77 million is no small feat in this challenging fund-raising environment, and a good indication of market expectations for SolFocus in 2009 – the year of CPV commercialization,” said Mark Crowley, Chief Executive Officer and President. “The investment will allow SolFocus to align its operations, engineering, and project management with the demands of global manufacturing and deployment.”
The C Round was led by Apex Venture Partners, a Chicago-based venture firm focused on investments in companies with high potential for value creation in a variety of sectors including technology, software, IT infrastructure and telecommunications. “The strength of a firm like Apex Venture Partners as the round lead was instrumental in our ability to exceed our fund-raising target,” commented SolFocus VP of Finance Bob Raybuck. “The strong product and market position of the company was also confirmed by the combination of existing and new investors joining the round.” Follow-on participants in the round included New Enterprise Associates (NEA) who led the A and B Rounds for the company, NGEN and Yellowstone Ventures. New investors in the round include Demeter Partners, affiliates of Advanced Equities, and others. Advanced Equities, Inc. served as the financial advisor to SolFocus on the financing.
“SolFocus has the right mix of innovation and execution to deliver on its promise of low-cost solar energy in high-sun regions around the world,” commented Wayne Boulais of Apex Venture Partners. “The challenge for new technology in today’s tight capital markets is intense, but we believe that SolFocus has demonstrated its ability to move forward on a deliberate path that will allow the company to meet these challenges and excel.” Mr. Boulais is a General Partner at Apex Venture Partners, and has been elected to the SolFocus Board of Directors.
The SolFocus CPV design employs a system of reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. The SolFocus 1100S uses approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels. In addition, the cells used in SolFocus CPV systems have over twice the efficiency of traditional silicon cells. In solar-rich locations, such efficiency can accelerate the trajectory for solar energy to reach cost parity with fossil fuels.
The funding builds upon a series of commercial milestones for SolFocus: the release of the SolFocus 1100S system in November; the largest CPV installation in Europe currently underway in Greece; the first certification of a CPV system to IEC 62108 standards, and the 15X capacity expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
About SolFocus
The SolFocus mission is to enable solar energy generation at a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources. To achieve this goal, SolFocus has developed leading concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology which combines high-efficiency solar cells (approaching 40%) and advanced optics to provide solar energy solutions which are scalable, dependable and capable of delivering on the promise of clean, low-cost, renewable energy. SolFocus is headquartered in Mountain View, California with European operations headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and manufacturing in Mesa, Arizona as well as with manufacturing partners in India and China.
“Closing a round of investment with more than $77 million is no small feat in this challenging fund-raising environment, and a good indication of market expectations for SolFocus in 2009 – the year of CPV commercialization,” said Mark Crowley, Chief Executive Officer and President. “The investment will allow SolFocus to align its operations, engineering, and project management with the demands of global manufacturing and deployment.”
The C Round was led by Apex Venture Partners, a Chicago-based venture firm focused on investments in companies with high potential for value creation in a variety of sectors including technology, software, IT infrastructure and telecommunications. “The strength of a firm like Apex Venture Partners as the round lead was instrumental in our ability to exceed our fund-raising target,” commented SolFocus VP of Finance Bob Raybuck. “The strong product and market position of the company was also confirmed by the combination of existing and new investors joining the round.” Follow-on participants in the round included New Enterprise Associates (NEA) who led the A and B Rounds for the company, NGEN and Yellowstone Ventures. New investors in the round include Demeter Partners, affiliates of Advanced Equities, and others. Advanced Equities, Inc. served as the financial advisor to SolFocus on the financing.
“SolFocus has the right mix of innovation and execution to deliver on its promise of low-cost solar energy in high-sun regions around the world,” commented Wayne Boulais of Apex Venture Partners. “The challenge for new technology in today’s tight capital markets is intense, but we believe that SolFocus has demonstrated its ability to move forward on a deliberate path that will allow the company to meet these challenges and excel.” Mr. Boulais is a General Partner at Apex Venture Partners, and has been elected to the SolFocus Board of Directors.
The SolFocus CPV design employs a system of reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. The SolFocus 1100S uses approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels. In addition, the cells used in SolFocus CPV systems have over twice the efficiency of traditional silicon cells. In solar-rich locations, such efficiency can accelerate the trajectory for solar energy to reach cost parity with fossil fuels.
The funding builds upon a series of commercial milestones for SolFocus: the release of the SolFocus 1100S system in November; the largest CPV installation in Europe currently underway in Greece; the first certification of a CPV system to IEC 62108 standards, and the 15X capacity expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
About SolFocus
The SolFocus mission is to enable solar energy generation at a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources. To achieve this goal, SolFocus has developed leading concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology which combines high-efficiency solar cells (approaching 40%) and advanced optics to provide solar energy solutions which are scalable, dependable and capable of delivering on the promise of clean, low-cost, renewable energy. SolFocus is headquartered in Mountain View, California with European operations headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and manufacturing in Mesa, Arizona as well as with manufacturing partners in India and China.
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