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NextInput develops MEMS-based force-sensing solutions, offering turn-key touch and touchless sensing for human-machine interfaces. Their proprietary technology aims to enhance interactive experiences across various devices, integrating pressure-sensing capabilities beyond traditional touch inputs. The company focuses on continuous innovation to deliver advanced sensing solutions.
Founded in 2012 by Ali Foughi, NextInput emerged from the insight that existing touch technologies could be significantly improved. Foughi, serving as CEO, spearheaded efforts to disrupt conventional HMI, building upon a vision to create more intuitive and responsive interactions through superior sensing methods. This ambition drove the development of their core approach.
NextInput's solutions are adopted across diverse sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, wearables, medical devices, industrial applications, and the Internet of Things. The company's long-term vision is to lead advancements in sensing technology, enabling novel applications and fostering more sophisticated, seamless human interaction.
NextInput has raised $27.6M across 4 funding rounds.
NextInput has raised $27.6M in total across 4 funding rounds.
NextInput is a technology company specializing in MEMS-based force-sensing solutions that enhance human-machine interfaces (HMI) with intuitive touch and touchless sensing for markets including automotive, consumer electronics, wearables, IoT, industrial, and medical devices.[1][2][3] It develops proprietary ForceTouch technology to address limitations in traditional touch systems, enabling 3D force detection for more responsive interactions in smartphones, tablets, laptops, automotive touch zones, and beyond, solving key challenges in the $20 billion touch technology market.[3][4][5] The company shipped over 25 million units by around 2021 and demonstrated strong growth with zero field failures on over 30 million units, before being acquired by Qorvo, Inc. in 2021.[2][6]
NextInput was founded in 2011 by Ali Foughi, who serves as CEO, building on expertise in MEMS and semiconductor technologies to pioneer force-sensitive touch innovations.[1][2][3] Foughi led the company from its early days, securing key investments like Sierra Ventures' Series A, which supported rapid scaling to 25 million units shipped en route to 100 million.[2] Pivotal moments included developing turn-key solutions for diverse applications and achieving mature production with over 30 million units shipped and zero field failures, culminating in its acquisition by Qorvo in 2021.[2][6]
NextInput rode the wave of advanced HMI trends, where force-sensing MEMS enabled more natural, 3D interactions amid rising demand for touchless and intuitive controls in wearables, automotive, and IoT—markets exploding with smart devices and autonomous tech.[1][2][3] Timing aligned with the shift from 2D capacitive touch to force-aware systems, fueled by consumer expectations for immersive experiences and industrial needs for reliable sensing in harsh environments.[4][5] By shipping tens of millions of defect-free units, it influenced the ecosystem through integration into mainstream products, paving the way for Qorvo's expanded portfolio in RF and sensing tech post-2021 acquisition.[2][6]
Post-acquisition by Qorvo in 2021, NextInput's tech likely accelerates integration into broader RF-microwave and sensing applications, capitalizing on MEMS maturity for next-gen wearables, EVs, and smart infrastructure.[2][6] Trends like AI-driven interfaces, touchless hygiene solutions (e.g., COVID-era innovations), and AR/VR will shape its trajectory, amplifying Qorvo's edge in high-growth HMI markets.[1][6] Its influence may evolve from standalone innovator to embedded powerhouse, redefining intuitive interactions as devices become more seamless and force-aware.
NextInput has raised $27.6M in total across 4 funding rounds.
NextInput's investors include Sierra Ventures, Sehat Sutardja, Weili Dai, Cota Capital, UMC Capital, Danhua Capital, Goertek, Intel Capital, Steve Nasiri, Kurt Petersen, Takata Holdings.
NextInput has raised $27.6M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $13.0M Series B in June 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2018 | $13.0M Series B | Sierra Ventures, Sehat Sutardja, Weili Dai, Cota Capital, UMC Capital | |
| Jul 25, 2016 | $5.1M Series A | Cota Capital, Danhua Capital, UMC Capital | |
| Dec 1, 2015 | $8.0M Series A | Sierra Ventures | Goertek, Intel Capital |
| Jul 1, 2015 | $1.5M Other Equity | Steve Nasiri, Kurt Petersen, Intel Capital, Takata Holdings |