Sand 9 develops MEMS resonators for communications timing applications and says its technology has advantages over traditional quartz crystal. The company is based in Cambridge, MA. In an amended SEC filing it disclosed an additional $4 million raised in its third round of venture capital. The filing identifies investors including Commonwealth Capital Ventures, Flybridge Capital Partners, General Catalyst Partners, Intel Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Vulcan Capital. No operating metrics or revenue figures were disclosed in the article. The disclosure focuses on the financing and the company’s product positioning versus quartz. Sand 9 develops precision micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) timing products that serve wireless and wired applications, including cellular base stations and wireline communications infrastructure. Its devices use piezoelectric actuation, a spurious-free resonator and a low-phase-noise oscillator to deliver low jitter, high stability and immunity to EMI, vibration, shock and lead-free reflow temperatures. The company positions its technology as an integrated alternative to legacy quartz crystals, simplifying system design while saving space and power. Sand 9 targets mobile, industrial and communications market segments. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ericsson invested $3 million in an additional Series C close, a development the company says validates its emphasis on robust MEMS timing products. Sand 9 is a MEMS technology company that develops precision timing devices for wireless and wired applications, offering a platform that meets stringent phase noise and short-term stability requirements. Its spurious-free resonator design aims to reduce packet loss and improve network efficiency while providing high immunity to noise, shock, and lead-free reflow temperatures. The platform is positioned as a drop-in replacement addressing weaknesses of Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators (TCXOs). The company plans to commercialize its first product, ramp volume production, and rapidly expand its product portfolio. Sand 9 notes the MEMS oscillator market is nascent, representing less than one percent of a $6.3 billion total timing market. Founded in 2007 and based in Cambridge, MA, Sand 9 holds a broad patent portfolio targeting mobile, industrial and communications segments. Sand 9 is a Cambridge, Mass.-based developer of timing oscillator and frequency-control technology for the wireless device market. The company is introducing a Temperature Compensated MEMS Oscillator intended to replace quartz crystal frequency sources in high-performance applications such as 3G cellular, GPS and other communications. Sand 9 states its focus is on designing components to improve performance and increase the capabilities of electronic devices. It also operates a design center in Chandler, AZ. The company completed a $12M Series B financing to support growth. The funding will be used to accelerate sales and marketing and to expand product manufacturing to volume shipment levels. In connection with the round, a partner from the lead investor will join the company’s board alongside existing investor partners.

Total raised

$42M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jan 2013