MEMS Startup Akustica acquired by Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch North America has agreed to acquire Akustica, Inc., an innovator in the application of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) technology in the consumer electronics market. Terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.news_0908_akustica_text
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Akustica, which was founded in 2001, is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and sells a complete portfolio of digital and analog micro electromechanical microphones featuring CMOS MEMS technology. This innovative technology allows the integration of transducer elements and associated integrated circuits on a single silicon chip. Bosch is the world leader in MEMS sensors and, with this acquisition, further strengthens its position in this market.
“The strategic acquisition of Akustica with their outstanding application of sophisticated MEMS technology complements our growing semiconductor business and ideally complements our ongoing MEMS activities” said Dr. Stefan Kampmann, executive vice president, Bosch Automotive Electronics. “We look forward to working together with the Akustica team to continue to develop this important business area.”
To date Akustica, which developed and sold the world’s first digital MEMS microphone, has sold over five million microphones in the global market. All of the company’s 36 associates will be employed by Bosch.
According to Joseph A. Jacobson, president and chief executive officer, Akustica, Inc., “We are excited to join the market leader in MEMS sensors and be a part of Bosch’s expansion in commercialization of consumer MEMS products. The strength of our combined technology, manufacturing capability, and talent will allow us to continue delivering innovative and differentiating sensor product solutions.”

MEMS Developer Innovative Micro Technology raises $17M

2007

Innovative Micro Technology, a company that spun out of the remains of defunct Applied Magnetics Corp., has raised $17 million in its first round of institutional funding. Investor Growth Capital led the deal, and was joined by BA Venture Partners and Miramar Venture Partners.

www.imtmems.com

MEMs Development Tools - Coventor

MEMs development tools specialist Coventor, www.coventor.com

MEMS Developer Axsun Technologies raise $15M

7 November 2006

Axsun Technologies, Inc. to Expand MEMS-Based Offerings in Industrial Process Spectroscopy, Homeland Security and Optical Communications Following Closure of $15M Series D FundingESI, Inc leads financing round, joining previous venture capital and private investorsBillerica, MA – (November 7, 2006) - Axsun Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of MEMS-based micro-optoelectronic “spectral engines,” announced today the closure of a $ 15 M financing round. Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (ESI; Nasdaq: ESIO), a leading supplier of innovative production laser systems for microengineering applications, led the Series D equity round, which was joined by current investors Prism Venture Partners, Vantage Point Venture Partners and Stata Venture Partners along with other private investors. In addition to the equity financing, Axsun closed an asset backed loan agreement with Bridge Bank. Axsun will use the proceeds to enhance its core “spectral engine” offerings in industrial process spectroscopy, including the PAT Pharmaceutical, homeland security and optical communications markets. Axsun, Inc., has invited Steve Harris, vice president of R&D at ESI, to join its board of directors. Mr. Harris joins Ray Stata, Axsun CEO Dale Flanders, Bill Seifert from Prism Ventures and David Fries from Vantage Point Venture Partners on the board