Smart Antenna Technologies (SAT), a University of Birmingham spinout providing portable device antenna solutions, has raised a £1m Series A round.
Led by Mercia Technologies, which invested £250,000, the round also drew support from Australian encryption hardware firm Senetas Corporation and the University of Birmingham Spinout Investment Fund.
Founded in 2013, SAT has developed an antenna system solution for mobile and portable devices which require multiple data connections.
Sampson Hu, founder and CEO of SAT, said: “We’ve got a world-class technical approach and team of engineers, and this investment will boost our ability to deliver high quality partnerships over time.”
The startup plans to use the funding to expand its engineering capabilities and core technologies. SAT also hopes to develop the product further for a potential industry partner.
Dr Mark Volanthen, investment director and head of electronics, hardware and materials at Mercia Technologies, commented: “SAT is a great example of the potential that spinouts from our partner universities have to grow over time into cash-generative, sustainable and valuable businesses. The University of Birmingham has demonstrated its ability to build IP that can be taken to market and adapted to multi-million sectors, such as that of smart phones and other portable devices.
“We are pleased to continue to support SAT alongside the University and Senetas, and we look forward to working with the business extensively in the coming months as it continues to grow, and focus on industry engagement within its target markets,” he concluded.