• WHILL

  Participated · Series A · Sep 2014

  WHILL designs and sells high-tech personal mobility devices intended for both indoor and outdoor use. The company’s products include the less expensive Model Ci (called Model C in Europe and Japan) and compete with devices like iBot and Trackchair. WHILL is developing autonomous capabilities and building its own sensors and cameras to support a “mobility as a service” program that lets users summon and control vehicles via a mobile app. Key near-term plans include expanding into the EU (opening a branch and entering 10 new European countries) and deploying systems in large venues such as airports, shopping malls, and sports arenas. WHILL has tested an autonomous airport program in partnership with Panasonic and plans to pursue distribution partnerships with U.S. airlines and airports. In Japan the company has between 4,000 and 5,000 resellers, its devices are subsidized and available for rent, while U.S. customers often buy devices out-of-pocket. Whill produces high-tech motorized wheelchairs, notably the Model M and Model A. Its products use a patented wheel that enables tight turns on rough terrain and sloping surfaces. The company recently received FDA approval for the Model M, allowing it to be marketed as a medical device in the U.S. and enabling doctors to write prescriptions starting this summer. Whill plans to use Series B proceeds to market its devices in the U.S. and to enter the European market, and it launched an airport rental program last month. It is developing technologies for autonomous driving and remote management of its devices to differentiate from competitors. Founded four years ago in Tokyo and now headquartered in San Francisco, Whill has raised $30.2 million in venture funding to date. Whill makes personal mobility devices designed for indoor use and all-terrain outdoor travel, featuring All Direction 4WD and an advanced acceleration management system for full-range speed adjustment. The product line was founded and designed by former Toyota and Nissan industry experts and engineers and is led by CEO Satoshi Sugie. Whill plans to use recent funding to manufacture and expand distribution of its devices and to grow overall operations. The company has won recognition, including the TechCrunch Tokyo 2012 Grand Prize. Financially, Whill closed an $11M Series A to support its manufacturing and distribution expansion. Whill develops the WHILL, a next-generation electric personal mobility vehicle intended for sidewalks and for healthy users as well as mildly disabled or elderly people with difficulty walking. The company is based in Menlo Park, California and was founded in May 2012; it is led by CEO Satoshi Sugie. Whill received funding to continue development and production of its WHILL vehicle. The company plans an initial direct sale of 50 units to the US market, followed by sequential expansion into other countries including Japan. Backers named in the article include SunBridge Global Ventures (via SunBridge Startups), Itochu Technology Ventures, 500 Startups and WIngle Co., Ltd. The article did not disclose financial terms, revenue, or instrument types.

No current team members are available.