Cambridge Mechatronics secures over $40m investment to further develop its revolutionary smartphone imaging technology

The senior leadership team at Cambridge Mechatronics

Jörgen Lantto, Chairman of Cambridge Mechatronics writes:
"We are delighted to welcome such a prominent group of global investors to CML. Their expertise and experience together with the capital raised will enable us to accelerate our plans for growth. The fact that this funding round was oversubscribed is a testament to the innovation of our talented employees developing world-leading SMA technology, and the wide range of applications where CML’s SMA technology can deliver industry-leading performance.”

Smartphone innovation is dominated by camera technology, fuelled by the growth of social media and video sharing platforms. CML is primarily focused on developing disruptive solutions for improving smartphone imaging, including SMA actuators and controller ICs. SMA actuators generate a high force-to-mass ratio, performing precision movements of camera components to achieve autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilisation (OIS), in a more compact and lightweight design. Compared to incumbent voice coil motor technology, SMA is free of electromagnetic interference. CML’s new SMA Variable Aperture provides continuous aperture control in a form-factor significantly smaller than the industry standard. The patented Zero Hold Power technology holds components such as the aperture in place during image capture whilst consuming no power.

SMA Actuators and Controller ICs from Cambridge Mechatronics

Cambridge Mechatronics is a pioneer in the field of SMA actuator design and control. Its technology has shipped in over 70 million products to date, including several of the world’s top-ranking smartphone cameras, according to industry experts DXOMARK. CML has over 700 patents pending and granted.

The proven expertise in SMA actuator design and precise control hosted on dedicated semiconductors will enable Cambridge Mechatronics to expand beyond smartphone imaging to applications in healthcare, interactive entertainment, and beyond. For example, there is a need for miniaturisation and precise dosing in small format drug delivery devices. SMA haptics, providing localised and variable haptic feedback, has applications in both smartphones and game controllers. The investment will fund a growth of CML's talented and motivated teams to facilitate an accelerated increased differentiation of our product platforms.

Osman Kent, Partner at Atlantic Bridge said:
“We led this investment as we believe Cambridge Mechatronics has a unique and proven deep technology platform for SMA, which will usher new imaging paradigms for smartphones and beyond. Atlantic Bridge is excited to support Cambridge Mechatronics access new customers and markets and become the leader in camera control technology.”

Arun Chetty, Managing Director at Intel Capital said:
“Intel Capital is delighted to support CML during the next chapter of their development. We believe CML’s proven technology has the potential to revolutionise other markets such as precision drug delivery devices and haptics.”

Regis Saleur, CEO and Managing Partner at Supernova Invest said:
“Investment in CML marks an exciting milestone for Supernova Invest, as it is our first into a UK technology company. CML’s technology aligns very well with our existing portfolio in Deeptech and Photonics.”

Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director - EMEA at Sony Ventures Corporation said:
“SMA actuator technology is transformational for the smartphone camera industry, where Sony is a market leader. CML’s extensive patent portfolio and proven commercial traction, well-position it as a leading innovator in this space. We look forward to supporting CML as they expand their product portfolio of SMA technology in the smartphone industry and beyond.”

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Enquiries:
Cambridge Mechatronics
Alexander Doust, Director of Marketing and Global Sales Operations
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 450 190
Email: [email protected] 

About Cambridge Mechatronics
Cambridge Mechatronics Limited (CML) is the world’s leader in the design and control of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators. CML’s actuators using SMA wire can be controlled to sub-micron accuracy. These actuators are particularly suited to applications requiring fast motion, high precision and high force levels, in a compact and lightweight design.

About Atlantic Bridge
Atlantic Bridge is a global technology investment firm with over €1.2 billion of assets under management across a platform of eight funds, investing in deep tech companies in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the U.S. We support portfolio companies in scaling internationally with a diverse investment team of technology and operations savvy professionals across our offices in Dublin, London, Palo Alto, Munich and Paris. Learn more at www.abven.com.  

About Intel Capital
Over three decades, Intel Capital has invested more than US $20 billion in the future of compute, funding standout, early-stage startups across four key areas of the tech ecosystem; Silicon, Frontier, Devices and Cloud. Intel Capital-funded companies created more than US $150 billion in market value in the past 10 years. For more information, visit www.intelcapital.com or follow @Intelcapital.

About Supernova Invest
Supernova Invest is the leading deep tech Venture Capital firm in France, managing €500+ million AUM. The current portfolio includes 70+ impact startup companies that develop products and services leveraging breakthrough technologies in 4 transition-centric sectors: Health, Energy & Environment, Industry 4.0 and Digital Technology. For 20 years, Supernova Invest has been providing long-term capital, operating experience, and strategic support to back sustainable growth of tomorrow's deep tech and industrial champions throughout the Venture Capital life cycle: seed, early, late and growth stages. Supernova Invest also gathers the entire deep tech value chain to support portfolio companies: industrials, corporate, research centers and co-investors. Supernova Invest is backed by the largest asset manager in Europe, Amundi, and by the most innovative public research organization in Europe CEA. Learn more at www.supernovainvest.com.

About Sony Ventures Corporation    
Sony Ventures Corporation manages the Sony Innovation Fund (SIF), which invests in all stages of emerging technology companies as well as in startups solving global environmental challenges. SIF engages with pioneering startups to help fuel the development of disruptive technologies, launch new businesses, and contribute to the environment while seeking return on investment. Sony Ventures Corporation is headquartered in Japan. Learn more at www.sonyinnovationfund.com.