Taiwan-based manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, which is known as Foxconn, has invested $200m to take an 8.88% stake in US-based camera company GoPro, valuing the company at $2.25bn.
Terry Gou , Foxconn’s founder and chief executive, will join San Mateo, California-based GoPro’s board.
Nicholas Woodman, GoPro Founder and chief executive, said: “Needless to say, we are over the moon to have Terry Gou and Foxconn join us on our mission to scale GoPro into one of the great enabling companies of our time. Foxconn and GoPro see a future where personal content capture and enjoyment will play an increasingly important role in our lives and we’re excited to combine efforts to strengthen GoPro’s position in that future.”
Terry Gou said: “I saw a great opportunity in investing in GoPro, not only the company’s product lines but also the man who is running the company. The first time I saw Nick Woodman , I immediately knew he was an outstanding entrepreneur who has the caliber to be very successful in this business.
And together with Foxconn, the outlook of this company is even brighter as we commit to helping it achieve its fullest potential.”
GoPro’s holding company Woodman Labs was reported to be looking to go public this year with an estimated initial public offering to raise $300m to $500m.
The California-based company hired JPMorgan Chase & Co, Citigroup and Barclays to lead the planned offering, according to news provider Reuters, and the flotation was expected this quarter.
In May 2011, Woodman Labs raised an undisclosed sum in a venture round, which saw private equity firm Riverwood Capital, investment firm Sageview Capital as well as venture firms Walden International, and US Venture Partners joined Steamboat as investors in the company.
According to market research firm IDC, the company brought in $250m in revenue during 2011.
Woodman Labs was established in 2002 when CEO Nicolas Woodman sought a way to professionally capture his surfing on film.