nanoGriptech Raises $6M in Funding

nanoGriptech

nanoGriptech, a Pittsburgh, PA-based commercial manufacturer of gecko-inspired micro-structured dry adhesives and surfaces for a wide range of applications, raised $6m in funding.

Backers included:

  • Koç Holding;
  • Inventram;
  • Industrial Technology Investment Corporation (ITIC);
  • Innovation Works;
  • Idea Foundry;
  • Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh; and
  • Grouse Ridge Capital.

In conjunction with the funding, Cem Soysal, CEO of Inventram, joined nanoGriptech’s board of directors.

The company will use the funds to scale its manufacturing operations and strengthen its commercialization activities.

Led by Metin Sitti, founder, and Nicholas Kuhn, CEO, nanoGriptech is a commercial manufacturer of gecko-inspired micro-structured dry adhesives and surfaces for a wide range of applications, including wearable consumer products, semiconductor and glass handling, and automotive upholstery fastening.

Products include: – Setex Gecko Grip™ used to improve friction or grip in consumer wearables, safety gear and outdoors/sports equipment. – Setex Gecko Tape™ repeatable, residue-free alternative to non-repeatable, tacky and residue-prone materials. – Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener™ innovative, low-profile, low-weight, double-sided fastening system that is a flexible alternative to hook and loop and mushroom connectors used in automotive upholstery, packaging and hermetic closure applications.

Earlier this year, nanoGriptech introduced its first consumer product, anti-slip microstructured nose pads for eyewear. The product is made with Setex Gecko Grip and is currently available exclusively through Amazon.

Prior to the current round of funding, the company received Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, along with support from the PA NanoMaterials Commercialization Center and several private investors.

nanoGriptech was spun out of Carnegie Mellon University in 2012 and occupies 6,000 square feet of space in a former chocolate factory in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

FinSMEs

12/03/2020

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