Superflex, a Menlo Park, CA-based powered clothing company spun out of SRI International, raised a $9.6m in Series A funding.
The round was led by Global Brain, with participation from seed investors Horizons Ventures and Root Ventures, and new investor Sinovation Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Zak Murase of Global Brain and Wendy Yu of Horizons will join Superflex’ board.
Led by Rich Mahoney, CEO, Superflex develops Powered lightweight, connected apparel worn under any outfit, with integrated electric “muscles” that add intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints, enabling everyone — from seniors to athletes to chronically ill children — to achieve their full physical potential.
The company’s technology was originally developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program to reduce injury risk and enhance soldier endurance.
Superflex spun out of SRI to explore the technology for a wide range of consumer applications, starting with the aging market. In the coming months, the company will unveil its initial product concept, a suit designed for those experiencing mobility difficulties later in life, or challenging work environments, to provide core wellness support for a wearer’s torso, hips, and legs.
In addition to its investment, Global Brain will work with Superflex to set up a Japan office and leverage its network to assist the company in entering the domestic market.
FinSMEs
20/12/2016