Nanda Technologies raises $4m in venture financing
Capital-E, a Belgium based Venture Capital company focussing on semiconductor investments, and KfW with his ERP Start-up-Fund, one of the largest German VC funds, are investing alongside with the existing shareholders about 4m USD in Nanda Technologies GmbH. Capital-E will take an active part in the board to support the further growth of Nanda. Other investors include the existing shareholders Brains-to Ventures, Ventegis Capital AG, Bayern Kapital and DEWB.
Nanda was founded in 2006 and has successfully developed a new system for high-throughput full wafer inspection used in semiconductor manufacturing. Based on a proprietary optical design combined with innovative image processing software Nanda can drastically increase the speed of inspection while maintaining high sensitivity. The result is a significant decrease in inspection cost per wafer compared to existing tools and the inspection of every wafer in the process flow instead of sampling only a few. The compact design of Nanda's inspection system makes it attractive to integrate defect inspection directly into the production flow. Fast error-feedback permits accelerated process adjustments and thus increases process ramp-up and overall productivity. After having successfully installed a first system at a leading industry backed research institute Nanda is working with global semiconductor manufacturers to evaluate the tools for production.
"Despite a difficult year in 2009, Nanda has achieved a first tool installation and very promising engagements on the customer side. We were convinced by the market opportunity and the unique technology, which gives Nanda a sustainable competitive edge", comments Pascal Vanluchene, Partner at Capital-E. Due to his close links to IMEC and prior investments in micro-electronics ventures, Pascal will take an active role in helping Nanda to grow its business.
"Coming out of a deep recession in 2009, the timing is good for Nanda to execute on a broad market entry in 2010 and 2011. We are happy to have Capital-E and KfW on board to ensure enough liquidity during this critical phase for every start-up company", says Dr. Christian Reitberger, chairman of the board.
"With the two new investors on board we have a strong shareholder base that could provide, if needed, additional financing throughout break-even of the company. This helps us to focus on market entry and customer interactions", adds Johannes von Borries, CFO/COO. Nanda will use the proceeds to support pre-production evaluations at leading semiconductor manufacturers.
Nanda Technologies offers its customers in the semiconductor industry a high throughput, high sensitivity defect inspection system. Based on a unique optical technology it is possible to inspect the full surface of the wafer and every wafer in the process flow instead of conducting statistical sampling. The feedback cycle for process faults is reduced significantly and process equipment malfunctions are caught and identified at an early stage. Nanda Technologies was founded in Munich by seasoned executives of the capital metrology equipment industry and supplies the inspection tools to leading semiconductor manufacturers worldwide.
