NextInput, a US-based maker of sensitive instruments capable of measuring forces in small machines, has raised $13m in a series B round featuring UMC Capital, the investment arm of semiconductor producer UMC.
Other investors included venture capital firms Sierra Ventures and Cota Capital alongside angels Sehat Sutardja and Weili Dai, co-founders of FLC Global.
NextInput’s force-sensing technology is used in touch-enabled consumer, wearable, internet-of-things, automotive, industrial and medical devices, with the automotive and mobile markets so far proving the most fertile ground.
In 2016, NextInput completed a $5.1m series A1 round that included UMC Capital, Danhua Capital and Cota Capital.
NextInput previously raised $8m in a December 2015 series A round featuring Intel Capital, the corporate venturing arm of chipmaker Intel, and electronic components producer GoerTek Group.
Intel Capital had also taken part in a $1.5m seed round in July 2015, investing alongside auto parts provider Takata, Sierra, Band of Angels and angel investor Steve Nasiri.
Ali Foughi, NextInput CEO and founder, said: “We have achieved three consecutive up rounds with our successful Series B completion. The funding enables NextInput to expand its footprint into new markets with our integrated force-sensing solutions.
“I am delighted to have Sehat Sutardja and Weili Dai as strategic investors. Their experience building a successful, global company is invaluable to us.”