Airbiquity, a developer of wireless communications for vehicles backed by a corporate venturing unit of Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell, $10.4m of a planned $19.2m round, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 28 August.
With previous backing in early 2008 of $25m in a round including Ignition Partners, Acorn Ventures, Kirnaf and Shell Internet Ventures, the Seattle-based Telematics and M2M market specialist have been able to move forward with the development of its patented aqLink technology leverages existing digital cellular networks to send data over the voice channel.
The latest cash injection will help to accelerate the advancement of wireless communication between vehicles with advanced safety features.
Tokyo-based Hitachi Automotive Systems signed a partnership agreement two years ago to develop the communications and data infrastructure for connecting electric vehicles to information services, such as battery information, advice on optimal driving routes, or pointers to the nearest charging stations.
Last year, Airbiquity – headed by CEO Kamyar Moinzadeh – signed a deal with General Motors Onstar to bring its wireless roadside service to non-GM cars and in the ensuing months gained $4m in a debt round of funding from its established group of backers.
The technology has been fitted to more than eight million vehicles. It monitors performance, airbag deployment and navigation, and also allows for emergency calling and concierge services and enhances the OEM lifecycle of connected vehicles.