US-based connected car platform developer Vinli closed a $6.5m series A round yesterday led by Samsung Venture Investment, the corporate venturing arm of consumer electronics manufacturer Samsung.
Samsung was joined by Cox Automotive, a digital marketing agency for car dealerships owned by media conglomerate Cox Enterprises; automotive manufacturer Continental; and venture capital firm Westly Group.
Vinli has created a connected car platform from which users can choose an initial 150 applications to install in their car, once the first devices ship and the platform launches in August 2015.
The company will use the series A funding to increase its sales through distribution partners, secure partnership agreements and support engineering, as well as research and development efforts.
Luis Arbulu, director of strategic investments at Samsung Global Innovation Center, and David Liniado, vice-president of New Ventures at Cox Automotive, will join Vinli’s board of directors in conjunction with the round.
– Image courtesy of Vinli