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Nantero is a technology company.
Nantero is a nanotechnology company that develops next-generation semiconductor products based on carbon nanotubes. Its primary offering is NRAM, or Nano-RAM, a high-density, high-speed nonvolatile random access memory device. This proprietary technology leverages the unique properties of carbon nanotubes to create memory solutions that are both power-efficient and capable of retaining data without constant power, addressing critical needs in modern electronics.
The company was founded in 2001, with Greg Schmergel serving as Co-Founder and CEO, alongside key early contributors like Brent M. Segal and Thomas Rueckes. The foundational insight behind Nantero was the potential to harness carbon nanotubes to overcome the limitations of traditional memory technologies, paving the way for significantly improved performance and energy efficiency in computing.
Nantero's products target a broad range of applications, including smartphones, tablets, enterprise systems, notebook and desktop computers, as well as the automotive and industrial sectors. The company envisions NRAM being adopted for both standalone and embedded memory applications, continually working with licensees to expand the reach and utility of its core nanotube-based technology across diverse electronic devices.
Nantero has raised $172.7M across 9 funding rounds.
Nantero has raised $172.7M in total across 9 funding rounds.
Nantero is a Boston-based nanotechnology company specializing in carbon nanotube-based semiconductors, primarily developing NRAM (nonvolatile random access memory), a next-generation memory chip that combines the speed of DRAM with the non-volatility of flash at low cost[1][2][3][5]. It serves applications in smartphones, tablets, data centers, AI systems, laptops, cars, wearables, automotive, and industrial sectors, solving key limitations in existing memory technologies like speed, power efficiency, density, and endurance[2][3][4]. Backed by investors including Cisco Investments, Dell Technologies Capital, and Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Nantero has secured partnerships (e.g., with Fujitsu) and new customers, positioning it for mass production despite remaining pre-IPO[1][3][4].
Founded in 2001 by Greg Schmergel (co-founder and current CEO) and Dr. Thomas Rueckes, Nantero pioneered carbon nanotube electronics when nanotechnology was nascent and nanotubes had never been used in semiconductor production[1][2][3]. The idea emerged to create revolutionary memory surpassing DRAM and flash, driven by the founders' vision for faster AI, longer battery life in devices, and powerful VR—ignoring early skepticism about nanoscale feasibility[3]. Early traction came from innovation in nanotube integration, leading to NRAM development and investor interest from firms like Charles River Ventures and Cisco Investments; pivotal moments include signing new customers and Fujitsu's announced NRAM-based products[1][3][4].
Nantero rides the nanotechnology and advanced semiconductor wave, addressing explosive demand for high-performance memory in AI, edge computing, EVs, and data centers amid slowing Moore's Law[2][3]. Timing aligns with global pushes for energy-efficient chips (e.g., longer device batteries, reduced AI power needs) and supply chain diversification from traditional silicon[3]. Market forces like surging AI workloads and 5G/6G favor NRAM's speed/density; Nantero influences the ecosystem by licensing nanotube tech, enabling partners to build faster VR/AR, autonomous systems, and sustainable computing[2][3][4].
Nantero is poised for mass production announcements and broader adoption, with Fujitsu's plans signaling imminent commercialization across AI, autos, and consumer tech[3][4]. Trends like AI proliferation and nanotube scaling will accelerate its path, potentially disrupting $100B+ memory markets if manufacturing hurdles clear. Its influence could evolve from pioneer to standard-setter, powering next-gen devices and tying back to its founding mission of revolutionizing electronics through impossible-seeming nanotube innovation[3].
Nantero has raised $172.7M in total across 9 funding rounds.
Nantero's investors include CFT Capital, Cisco Investments, Dell Technologies Capital, Kingston Technology, Schlumberger, Dave Poltack, Future Ventures, ThirdLove, Farzad Nazem, CRV, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Globespan Capital Partners.
Nantero has raised $172.7M across 9 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $29.7M Other Equity in April 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 6, 2018 | $29.7M Other Equity | CFT Capital, Cisco Investments, Dell Technologies Capital, Kingston Technology, Schlumberger | |
| Apr 1, 2018 | $30.0M Series G | Dell Technologies Capital | |
| Dec 8, 2016 | $21.0M Other Equity | Dave Poltack | |
| Aug 1, 2015 | $13.0M Series F | Dell Technologies Capital | |
| Jun 1, 2015 | $32.0M Series E | Dell Technologies Capital, Future Ventures, ThirdLove, Farzad Nazem, CRV, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Globespan Capital Partners, Harris & Harris Group | |
| Nov 1, 2012 | $15.0M Series D | Dell Technologies Capital, Hearst Media fund, Menlo Ventures, ThirdLove, Waverley Capital, Farzad Nazem, Bruce Sachs, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Globespan Capital Partners, Harris & Harris Group, Stata Venture Partners | |
| Feb 1, 2005 | $15.0M Series C | ThirdLove, Farzad Nazem | |
| Aug 1, 2003 | $11.0M Series B | ThirdLove, Farzad Nazem | |
| Sep 1, 2001 | $6.0M Series A | Owl Capital |