Every day, Global University Venturing rounds up the smaller investments from across the university innovation ecosystem in its deal net.
Aromyx, a US-based biosensor technology developer, closed a $3m seed round yesterday led by Ulu Ventures, with participation from Stanford University, Rationalwave Capital Partners, Merus Capital, CE Venture Capital and Radicle Growth. Founded in 2014, Aromyx is developing sensors that replicate the human sense of smell and taste. The technology has applications in a wide range of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage and consumer packaged goods. Aromyx previously obtained $1.4m in convertible note financing in 2015 led by TEEC Ventures, participation from Stanford-StartX Fund, Spring Mountain Capital, DoubleRock VentureCapital and Propel(X) Investors Platform. In 2016, Stanford-StartX Fund took part in a $3.6m round also backed by Oriza Ventures, Rationalwave Capital, Spring Mountain Capital, TEEC Angel Fund and angel investor Eric Di Benedetto.
Aesyra, a Switzerland-based medical device spinout of Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), closed its first funding round on Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed, though the full amount was supplied by multi-family office VitaTech. Aesyra is working on technology to accurately monitor and relieve teeth grinding at night, based on research led by Prof Carlotta Guiducci in EPFL’s Laboratory of Life Sciences Electronics.
Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), a UK-based developer of high-performance gallium nitride power electronic devices based on research at University of Cambridge, has obtained an undisclosed sum from the University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund VI, managed by Parkwalk Advisors, Business Weekly reported yesterday. CGD was spun out of the High Voltage Microelectronics and Sensors lab to commercialise research and co-founded by Giorgia Longobardi and Florin Udrea, the latter having previously founded Cambridge CMOS Sensors. The funding will enable CGD to grow its engineering staff, drive product development and facilitate engagement with clients and the supply chain.
Thierry Heles
Thierry Heles is the editor of Global University Venturing, host of the Beyond the Breakthrough interview podcast and responsible for the monthly GUV Gazette (sign up here for free).
