Transphorm Announces New $70 million Investment Led by KKR
June 22, 2015
Fueling Growth of The World’s Most Efficient Technology for
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Dr.
Transphorm believes that there is a very large market for its products as its ultra-efficient power devices and modules can eliminate more than 40% of all electric conversion losses by using Gallium Nitride (“GaN”), a new semiconductor material that switches at far higher speeds than traditional components. GaN-based technology, known for its connection to the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics, creates a brighter, more energy efficient light that today is the basis of the multi-billion dollar LED-based lighting industry. Similarly, when applied to power conversion, GaN components enable significantly more efficient, compact, and cost-effective products.
“Gallium Nitride is the most important new semiconductor in the world
today,” said Dr.
Manufacturers are now producing the world’s smallest PV inverters by
leveraging Transphorm’s technology in their products. Transphorm has
established strategic partnerships with industry-leading customers and
suppliers. Yaskawa
Electric Corporation, a global leader in motion control, robotics
and systems engineering, launched the first GaN-based commercially
produced solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter, powered by Transphorm GaN, in
the
“Transphorm’s technology is paving the way for a revolutionary change in
energy efficiency. Right now, Transphorm is the only place where
customers can acquire reliable, production volume GaN products that meet
or exceed required performance specs for commercial products. Long term,
we believe this has the potential to replace all of the existing
silicon-based technology used in high voltage products, and wide
adoption of this technology will dramatically reduce the amount of
energy that is wasted by electric devices,”
For KKR, the investment is part of the firm’s growth equity strategy,
which is focused on market-leading, high-growth companies for which KKR
can be a unique partner in helping reach scale and the next level of
growth. KKR is funding the investment from the balance sheet of
As part of the transaction, KKR’s
About Transphorm
Transphorm is redefining electric power conversion, providing cost-competitive and easy-to-embed power conversion devices and modules that reduce costly energy loss by more than 40% and simplify the design and manufacturing of motor drives, power supplies and inverters for solar panels and electric vehicles. From material technology and device fabrication to circuit design and module assembly, Transphorm designs and delivers its power conversion devices and modules to meet the needs of global customers. By creating an ecosystem of electrical systems manufacturers powered by Transphorm, the company accelerates the adoption of power devices and modules that pave the way for the next generation of electrical systems designed for optimal efficiency.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across
multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure,
real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive
investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment
approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value
creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its
partners’ capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital
markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the
activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150622005403/en/
Transphorm
Account
Executive
greg@welcomm.com
or
KKR
Director of Communications,
Kristi.Huller@kkr.com
Source: KKR
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