In the past year, microLED startups have raised over $200 million. As some companies (most notably Aledia and JBD in this case) mature and start to build production capacity, the need for funds grows, and we have indeed seen large investment rounds in these companies.
- Kubos Semiconductors: $2 million (May 2024)
- MICLEDI: $17 million (March 2024)
- Mojo Vision: $21.1 million (October 2023)
- Aledia: $129 million (October 2023)
- Comptek Solutions: $8.6 million (August 2023)
- QNA Technology: $4 million (August 2023)
- JBD: A4 round, estimated at $30-130 million (June 2023)
It is great to see these recent funding successes, which will hopefully lead to increased innovation and also initial production. It should be noted that most (if not all) of these financing rounds have been finalized before Apple made its decision to cancel its main microLED wearable project. We do not see Apple's decision as having a major impact on the long-term viability of microLED technologies or on the industry - but we do know that some investors are now hesitant to invest in this market following Apple's project cancellation.
Developing next-gen technologies to enable lower cost production of microLED displays is key to the success of the industry, and it is great to see some of these early stage companies succeed in securing a financing round which will hopefully enable them to complete the R&D phase and enter commercialization.
Of course, there are many other companies that develop cutting-edge microLED technologies such as novel material platforms, next-gen placement and transfer processes, equipment, display architectures, and more. The microLED industry is vibrant and innovative and has room for various technologies.
If you want to stay updated with the latest innovation, join us at our flagship microLED industry event, in September 24-26, in Eindhoven - and hear from the leading industry players, including Google, Meta, Applied, Aixtron, Coherent, VueReal, TCL CSOT and many others. Now is a great time to register, as we offer special early-bird discounts until July 12. If you want to contribute to the success of the microLED industry, collaborate with leading developers and display makers - join the MicroLED Industry Association!
