Participated · Equity · Sep 2022

KISAB develops a novel growth technology that enables the production of virtually defect‑free silicon carbide (SiC) wafers. The technology emanates from Linköping Technical University. Poor quality of underlying wafer materials currently limits SiC applications, and KISAB's approach promises to revolutionize the market for SiC devices. Yole Développement identified KISAB as the "innovative SiC growth technology" and estimates the SiC device market to be worth $6.3b in 2027. The global SiC device market is being strongly driven by the electric vehicle market and is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 34%. KISAB raised a €7.5m investment round led by Fairpoint Capital, with participation from existing investors including Industrifonden, Ingka GreenTech and LPE.

Participated · Series B · Jun 2015

Aledia is pioneering a nanowire/nanocrystal microLED technology spun out of CEA-Leti in 2012, developing LED chips for laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, augmented-reality glasses and large TVs. The company uses very large-size silicon wafers (200–300mm) and microelectronics processes rather than conventional planar 2D LEDs on smaller sapphire substrates, and its technology is protected by 197 patent families. Aledia closed an €80M first tranche of a planned €120M D-round and will use the proceeds to complete product development and build a first-of-its-kind high-volume 3D microLED manufacturing facility in the Grenoble area. The planned facility has an estimated capex of €40 million (excluding equipment), and the company expects to invest over €200 million in equipment over the next five years. Aledia plans to grow to approximately 500 employees as it scales manufacturing. Strategic partners and investors, including Intel Capital and a range of technology and investment funds, are reinvesting to support commercialization. Aledia develops and manufactures next-generation 3D LEDs based on a gallium-nitride-nanowires-on-silicon platform. Its LEDs are produced on large-diameter silicon wafers (200mm, scalable to 300mm) and designed for mobile and other display applications. The company is pursuing both large/existing displays (smartphones, laptops, tablets) and smaller, emerging displays for VR/AR/MR and smartwatches using megapixel integrated silicon chips. Aledia is working with several large industrial partners to develop next-generation displays. It intends to use recently raised funds to accelerate technology development and acquire critical equipment. The company is led by CEO, chairman and co-founder Giorgio Anania and has subsidiaries in the US, Taiwan and Malaysia. Aledia develops and manufactures next‑generation 3D LEDs using a Gallium‑Nitride‑on‑Silicon (nanowire) platform. Its LEDs are produced on large‑diameter silicon wafers (200mm/8-inch) and are designed to be significantly less expensive than traditional 2D LEDs. The technology allows integration of electronics into the LED and the company is also working on next‑generation displays. Aledia has been advancing development and customer traction, signing development and supply contracts with major LED buyers. The company highlights automotive as a key market opportunity and cites a recently completed oversubscribed financing to accelerate development. No revenue or user metrics were disclosed in the article. Aledia develops and manufactures innovative LEDs based on a 3D architecture using gallium-nitride (GaN) microwires grown on silicon. Its GaN-on-silicon microwire technology is produced on standard 8-inch (200 mm) silicon wafers using existing CMOS wafer-fabrication processes and tools. This approach enables LED chip production at a cost four times less than traditional planar (2D) LEDs. The technology was developed over six years at LETI-CEA in Grenoble, and as part of the spin-out Aledia received exclusive worldwide rights to current and future CEA patents on microwire lighting technology. The company was co-founded in 2011 by Giorgio Anania (President & CEO), Xavier Hugon (COO) and Philippe Gilet (CTO), and is based in Grenoble, France. Aledia completed its first financing, raising €10m from Sofinnova Partners, Braemar Energy Ventures, Demeter Partners and CEA Investissement; the article does not disclose operating metrics or planned use of proceeds.

Led · Equity · Oct 2010

Alelion provides lithium-ion battery systems and technology to support electrification of industrial vehicles and more sustainable energy use. The company emphasizes powerful solutions, automated production and an empowering approach. Alelion is reviewing its long-term capital needs and financing opportunities in the rapidly growing market for sustainable electrification. Major owners include Pegroco Invest, Blomqvist Listed Sustainability and Fouriertransform. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden and its shares trade on Nasdaq First North Growth Market, Stockholm with G&W Fondkommission as certified adviser. Recent short-term financing measures were taken to secure operations while strategic financing options are reviewed. Alelion Batteries AB develops small-scale energy storage devices and is based in Nödinge, Sweden. The company intends to use new capital to develop energy storage devices aimed at alternative energy solutions and lighting. It raised €2m in funding from IKEA GreenTech AB to support that development. IKEA GreenTech is identified as the investment arm of IKEA Group and focuses on investing in innovative technology companies in small-scale solutions. Christian Ehrenborg, CEO of IKEA GreenTech AB, said the involvement provides new opportunities and expressed hope that, together with other partners, they can help develop Alelion into a successful player in the small-scale energy storage market. The financing is reported by FinSMEs on 30/10/2010. Alelion Batteries AB is a Nödinge, Sweden-based developer and manufacturer of energy storage systems for the automotive industry. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out from ETC Batteries and Fuelcells, the company operates a 1600 m2 production area in Nödinge. The company received a KRO28m venture capital investment from investors including Fouriertransform AB and some of the company’s existing owners, including Pegroco Invest. Following the transaction, Fouriertransform became the largest shareholder. The new capital will be used to expand production and sales efforts and to strengthen Alelion’s position in the Nordic region.