January 6, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, NV) – SOSV, a U.S. venture capital fund joins Kolibree as an investor to accelerate North American growth, bringing Kolibree’s investment total to about USD $4 million.
SOSV is Kolibree’s first US-based investor, and joins SEB Alliance, Innovacom, Cap Horn and DIGH (Dental Investment Group for Health) globally. This new funding helps to pave the way for Kolibree to scale up through an expanding product portfolio, licensing agreements with video game developers and faster development of the Kolibree platform connecting dentists and patients for a personal approach to preventive dental care.
“Kolibree’s vision and innovation are spot on with current needs and trends in the healthcare industry and we anticipate that we can help to accelerate Kolibree’s U.S. expansion and ambitious plans,” said Cyril Ebersweiler, an SOSV investment partner.
“Kolibree began product sales in Q2 2015, with increasing gains throughout the year. In addition, a new partnership with game developer Ubisoft and this boost from SOSV increase our momentum and allow Kolibree to scale for more rapid growth in 2016,” said Kolibree Founder/CEO Thomas Serval.
“As Kolibree moves ahead with innovation, software and product development, we are ready to begin a new bold round of funding with a goal of raising USD $10 million through institutional investors and dentists from around the world who want to join us in growing the Kolibree platform,” added Serval.
The Kolibree platform utilizes connected devices to foster dentist-patient relationships with the mutual goal of enabling families to improve oral health through preventive care. The platform is compatible with both iOS and Android smart phones and tablets, with new apps being introduced in January 2016 at CES 2016.
About Kolibree
Kolibree, the smart oral care company, is dedicated to innovation of smart and connected health solutions. Kolibree’s flagship product, the world’s first connected electric toothbrush with 3D motion sensors, uses proprietary technology for an interactive tooth brushing experience for children and adults, and provides real-time feedback to improve oral care and oral health. Kolibree has offices in New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Visit kolibree.com, twitter.com/kolibree, facebook.com/sharekolibree, instagram.com/sharekolibree and pinterest.com/sharekolibree.
About SOSV
SOSV – The Accelerator VC – is a venture fund with US $250M AUM operating six global accelerator programs: Chinaccelerator for Internet in Shanghai, MOX for mobile in Taipei, HAX for hardware in Shenzhen and San Francisco, HAX Boost for hardware in San Francisco, IndieBio for biotech in San Francisco and Cork, Ireland, and FOOD-X for food in NYC. SOSV invests in over 150 companies per year and over its two-decade history has a net realized IRR of over 30%, putting it in the top 5% of private equity managers in the world.
About SEB ALLIANCE
SEB ALLIANCE is the corporate venture company of Groupe SEB, the world leader in small domestic equipment, Groupe SEB operates in nearly 150 countries with a unique portfolio of top brands including Tefal, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, All-Clad, and Supor, marketed through multi-format retailing. Selling some 200 million products a year, it deploys a long-term strategy focused on innovation, international development, competitiveness and service to clients. Groupe SEB has nearly 25,800 employees worldwide. Groupe SEB has created SEB ALLIANCE to prepare for coming changes in the small domestic equipment market and to extend its innovation strategy to new technologies and expertise. The fund prioritizes minority stake investments in innovative companies with high technological content operating in areas such as well being and food, connected world and sustainable world. www.seballiance.com
About Innovacom
With 300 million euros under management, Innovacom is a leading investment firm in Europe providing equity financing to high-growth companies from early stage to expansion. Since its creation in 1988 in France where it pioneered the venture capital industry, Innovacom has helped 300+ innovative companies in technology, media and telecommunications launch and grow their business internationally. Focused on hardware, software and contents bringing high value to people and organizations, its 100+ portfolio exits through trade sale or IPO include success stories like Business Objects, Soitec, Gemplus, Kelkoo, Auféminin, Inventel, Netcentrex, Mobile Complete, Steek, Streamezzo, Owlient, Digitick or Olea Medical. Working with some of the brightest minds in the Information Technology business, Innovacom is an active investor uniquely positioned to provide its portfolio companies with business development support towards the best partners. www.innovacom.com
About CapHorn Invest
CapHorn Invest is an independent Venture Capital Firm whose LPs are over 150 business executives and members of family offices. Our team relies on this strong network of experienced business leaders to boost our portfolio companies and provide them with direct commercial connections to decision makers. We invest in companies bringing digital transformation to mature markets. CapHorn Invest currently manages a first fund of 50 million euros and is completing the fundraising of a second generation fund of 125 million euros. www.caphorninvest.fr
About DIGH
The Dental Investment Group for Health (DIGH) is a global alliance of dentists investing in technology and innovation within the dental industry. Gathering support from the dental community, DIGH backed an initial research study regarding current tooth brushing habits of young children and the efficacy of Kolibree’s connected sonic toothbrush as a tool to improve dentist-recommended oral hygiene compliance for improving oral health.