Menlo Micro secured $44 million in Series B funding to make next-generation switches

Mario McKellop for The Burn-In — October 16, 2020

Menlo Microsystem, Inc. recently announced it raised $44 million in a Series B funding round. The firm, which is a spin-off of General Electric (GE), has developed new electronic components with revolutionary potential. Its core microelectromechanical system (MEMS) offerings are 99 percent smaller, lighter, and more efficient than conventional switches.

The Irvine, California-based startup plans to spend its new capital on product development and scaling up its manufacturing process.

Because of widespread digitalization, electronics components are now a ubiquitous part of modern life. Tiny integrated circuits (ICs) have allowed for the advent of smartphones, satellites, and a range of medical devices. Unfortunately, even the most advanced parts have their limitations. Cutting-edge mobile chipsets let handsets stream 4K games, but they go through battery life like Batman goes through eye shadow.