BASF Venture Capital invests in U.S.-based optical waveguide technology company RPO
RPO has raised $9.7 million in its Series B financing round, of which BASF Venture Capital has provided $2 million. Other companies participating in the financing round include GE Equity and JAFCO Asia.
RPO's optical waveguides are a key component of optical touch technology, which works by utilizing an invisible sheet of light over the top of a flat panel display. The light is transmitted across the screen using optical waveguides on polymer bases. When a finger or a pen interrupts the sheet of light a shadow is made, determining the position of the object. With enhanced optical brightness, increased battery life and improved scratch resistance, this optical touch technology overcomes fundamental shortcomings of resistive touch technology currently on the market.
RPO is already developing waveguides for use in prototypes of handheld devices. The market for touch screens in handheld devices is expected to reach $330 million by 2008, according to industry experts.
"This investment opens another window for BASF into the market for display materials," said Dr. Knut Eichler, investment manager at BASF Venture Capital.
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