Participated · Series A · Jan 2018

Knightscope is an advanced security technology company based in Silicon Valley that builds autonomous security robots called Autonomous Data Machines (ADMs). Its ADMs are designed to deter, detect and report threats autonomously and are deployed by clients across multiple states. The company says it presently holds contracts in 15 states operating across four time zones on a 24/7 basis. Knightscope entered a loan and security agreement with Silicon Valley Bank to support production and scaling of its robots as it expands nationwide. The company will use the funds drawn and available under the SVB facility to finance production of additional ADMs to meet client order demands. The press release includes forward-looking statements and notes risks that could affect projected business performance, including the possibility of operating losses. Knightscope develops advanced physical security technologies centered on autonomous security robots that deter, detect and report, helping clients reduce vehicle break‑ins, vandalism and trespassing. Led by chairman and CEO William Santana Li, the company focuses on enhancing U.S. security operations. The firm will use the new funding to continue to expand operations and broaden its business reach. Knightscope raised over $25M in the cited financing, adding to prior capital and strengthening its balance sheet. Since inception in 2013 the company has raised more than $39M total. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Knightscope, founded in 2013 by William Santana Li, develops advanced physical security technologies from its Mountain View, Calif. base. The company combines software, hardware and human components to deliver solutions focused on improving security operations and enhanced anomaly detection. It is raising capital through a Reg A+ mini-IPO offering of Series m Preferred Stock. Konica Minolta has invested $1m immediately and committed an additional $2m upon achievement of certain milestones, for up to $3m in funding. The capital will be invested in the Series m Preferred Stock offering and interested investors may purchase preferred stock online at SeedInvest. Knightscope builds Autonomous Data Machines (ADMs), fully autonomous robots with onboard sensors designed to monitor surroundings and provide a physical security presence. A single ADM can generate over 90 terabytes of data per year and communicates via wireless networks with the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC), a browser-based interface that issues real-time alerts. The company’s first machine, the K5, is being offered for preorder on a Machine‑as‑a‑Service basis to select Silicon Valley customers at $6.25 per hour for 24/7 deployments on one- to three-year terms. Knightscope’s platform combines robotics, predictive analytics, sensors and collaborative social engagement to predict and prevent crime and to free humans for higher‑value security tasks. The business plans to accelerate deployments in Silicon Valley and continue technology development using proceeds from its recent financing. Knightscope is based in Mountain View, California. Knightscope is a robotics startup based in Silicon Valley and Tokyo that builds autonomous robots designed to predict and prevent crime. The company frames its technology as a blend of security automation — the article described it as "Robocop meets the Roomba." Knightscope recently raised $1 million in a seed round from NTT DOCOMO Ventures and unnamed angel investors. With the new funding, the company plans to begin beta testing its products. The article did not disclose revenue, user metrics, prior financings, or a founding year. No additional financial terms or investor specifics beyond NTT DOCOMO Ventures and unnamed angels were provided.

Participated · Series A · Dec 2017

iSpace builds and operates robotic lunar landers aimed at transporting scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Although it has flown two missions, the company has yet to achieve a successful soft landing. Management is now focused on Mission 3 (target launch 2027) and Mission 4 (target launch 2028), which incorporate hardware upgrades intended to improve landing reliability. The firm recently secured new contracts, including a ¥6.4 B deal with JAXA for a lunar water-sensing satellite, a $22 M payload agreement with Magna Petra for Mission 3, and an $8 M delivery contract with the Taiwan Space Agency for Mission 4. Financially, iSpace reported first-quarter FY2025 net losses of ¥2.88 B ($19.2 M), nearly double the prior-year period, and ended the quarter with ¥26.4 B ($175.6 M) in cash—of which ¥15 B ($99.8 M) came from short-term loans. To fund upcoming missions and offset widening losses, the company is turning to the equity markets for additional capital. Proceeds are earmarked for ¥4.8 B to Mission 3 development, ¥9.5 B to Mission 4 work, and ¥4 B for general working capital.

Led · Equity · Mar 2010

Konarka Technologies develops and provides organic thin-film photovoltaic solar plastic films that convert light into energy. The company’s core product is flexible photovoltaic film aimed at next-generation solar panels. It has entered a comprehensive R&D agreement and full-scale collaboration with Konica Minolta to jointly develop and distribute organic thin-film photovoltaics. Planned development goals include higher conversion efficiency, longer operational life, and lower manufacturing costs to enable mass production. Konarka received a $20M strategic investment from Konica Minolta to support this collaboration and potential commercialization. The company operates worldwide with a full-scale production facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts, European headquarters in Nurnberg, Germany, business development offices in Asia, and an R&D facility in Austria. Konarka’s core product is a patented flexible polymer called Power Plastic that converts sunlight to energy. The company has partnered with German apparel retailer Neuber to integrate Power Plastic into “Sun Bags” that weigh 500 grams including a continuously rechargeable battery, come in 37 colors, and can have printed designs. Konarka has explored multiple applications beyond portable charging, including smart cards, personal-care device chargers (toothbrushes), emergency generators for police, military and medical use, solar carport/garage covers for electric cars, and integration into window panels for buildings. Its Power Plastic is described as lightweight and sleek compared with some heavier-looking photovoltaic backpacks and cases on the market. Konarka has attracted significant financing to commercialize its product and bring it to market. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Lowell, Massachusetts.