Surrey NanoSystems produces nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene using a proprietary low-temperature synthesis technology and custom-built equipment. The low-temperature capability enables these materials to be applied to lightweight, temperature-sensitive structures where conventional synthesis would be too hot. The company developed Vantablack®, launched at the Farnborough International Air Show in 2014, which absorbs 99.96% of incident radiation. Surrey NanoSystems was spun out of the University of Surrey in 2006. It has raised around £8m in equity funding to date alongside substantial non-dilutive grant funding. Parkwalk first invested in the company in 2012 and has provided a follow-on investment via the Parkwalk Opportunities EIS Fund and a Parkwalk Syndicate. Surrey NanoSystems, based in Newhaven, UK, develops processes and materials to enable use of nanomaterials in semiconductor fabrication, clean tech and renewable industries. The company has created a new class of high‑performance dielectric material for inter‑layer or inter‑metal insulation that offers an alternative to current ‘low k’ materials and resists the liquid chemicals used in semiconductor processing. It also develops a process for growing carbon‑based interconnections or ‘vias’. Surrey NanoSystems provides tools to support nanomaterial research and development at partner sites. The company is led by CEO David Wong and Chairman Lars McBride. The firm raised capital to commercialize its dielectric thin film and the carbon‑via growth process.

Total raised

$7M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Mar 2012