Distran, a leading innovator in ultrasonic camera technology, has successfully closed a CHF 8.3 million Series B funding round. The funding was led by Swisscanto Private Equity, with participation from ALIAD, the venture capital fund of the Air Liquide Group, and existing investors, including the Smart Energy Innovation Fund from Energie 360° and Zürcher Kantonalbank. In addition to the series B round, Distran secured an additional CHF 2.5M through an innovation project grant from the Swiss Accelerator program, supported by Innosuisse. The new funding will fuel the company's growth and advance its cutting-edge ultrasonic camera technology.
The funds will be used to diversify the product portfolio and tap into new markets. The company is a leading manufacturer of ultrasonic cameras for gas leak detection in industries such as Oil & Gas, the Chemical Industry, Power Generation, and Composites Manufacturing.“Distran’s development in recent years is impressive. The amazing team has not only managed to establish Acoustic Leak Imaging as an innovative alternative to traditional approaches but has also acquired global industry leaders as customers”, explains Nils Granath, Senior Investment Director at Swisscanto Private Equity.
Having invented the world’s first ultrasonic camera in 2013, Distran was founded the same year in Zürich, Switzerland. Distran Ultrasonic Cameras combine an integrated microphone array with an optical camera to pinpoint all types of gas leaks from far distances, without contact with the gas, and in unexpected locations. Inspection times are up to 10 times shorter than with other techniques.
"Through Venturelab we got to meet peer startup entrepreneurs. They were focusing on different industries but often were facing similar challenges. We took away valuable lessons learned that helped us take Distran where it is today," said Florian Perrodin, CEO of Distran.
“Air Liquide is using Distran equipment for gas leak detection at different production units, considering it a valuable asset for the safety and reliability of our plants. Our support aims to foster the development of Distran's next-generation innovations, benefiting our two companies. Effective detection and prevention of gas leaks enable us to minimize operational risks and help us reduce gas emissions”, says Séverine Adami, General Manager of ALIAD Venture Capital.
Customers in more than 40 countries rely on Distran's portable ultrasonic cameras to detect gas leaks. The ultrasonic camera Distran Ultra Pro is even used in space by NASA. Since December 2020, the device has been used to search for air leaks in the International Space Station (ISS) in order to prevent the risk of major incidents.
“This successful financing round enables us to expand our global commercial network even faster. We will also launch new products geared towards industrial plants’ reliability, safety, and reduced environmental footprint”, comments Florian Perrodin, co-founder and CEO of Distran. Distran's goal is to save over 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMtCO2e) by 2026. This amount is equivalent to about 10% of the global aviation industry’s emissions.Distran participated in Venture Leaders Technology 2020.
Distran Team
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