Led · Series B · Jun 2022

Sensel began with the Morph consumer device as a proof of concept for its multitouch, haptic trackpad technology but pivoted away from consumer hardware to focus on OEM licensing. Its core product is a cost-effective, high-volume haptic touchpad module that laptop manufacturers can integrate. The company counts Lenovo as one of its biggest hardware partners. Sensel has entered a strategic module partnership with Global Lighting Technologies (GLT) to scale manufacturing and improve manufacturability. The firm says new funding will support further scaling of its technology and continued R&D for future products. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in the Bay Area. To date it has raised $57 million. Founded in 2013 and based in Sunnyvale, Sensel began by shipping the Morph modular music and computing peripheral. The company’s core product is an advanced pressure-sensing touch sensor that it says outperforms existing touch technologies on multiple metrics at lower cost. Over recent years Sensel has shifted its focus from a standalone hardware product toward supplying pressure-sensing components to smartphone and tablet OEMs. The company intends to work with device manufacturers to integrate its sensing technology into third-party devices while continuing to support the Morph product. Sensel raised a $28 million Series A that brings its total funding to $38 million; the financing is expected to support that strategic pivot and broader commercialization efforts.