US-based force-sensing technology producer NextInput completed a $5.1m series A1 round on Monday that included UMC Capital, the strategic investment arm of semiconductor UMC.
The round, which also included venture capital fund Danhua Capital and investment platform Cota Capital, took the company’s overall funding to about $16.5m.
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.
Ali Foughi, founder and CEO of NextInput, said: “Our ForceTouch solution is emerging as the most robust, scalable and the best 3D touch user experience in the market. This funding allows us to accelerate next-generation product development and market expansion.”
Intel Capital, the corporate venturing unit owned by semiconductor maker Intel, took part in NextInput’s $1.5m seed round in July 2015, investing alongside auto parts provider Takata Holdings, Sierra Ventures, Band of Angels and angel investor Steve Nasiri.
NextInput subsequently raised $8m in a December 2015 series A round featuring Intel Capital and electronic components producer GoerTek Group.