h2i technologies has announced the finalisation of a fresh €2.5 million round of financing, with €2 million being invested by Crédit Agricole Private Equity, the balance coming from its original shareholders (Emertec and Soridec).
h2i technologies was created at the École des Mines d’Alès incubator in January 2002 by Gilles Cavallucci. The company offers a range of virtual human-machine interfaces (HMI), based on patented optoelectronic technologies. The innovative approach of h2i technologies’ combines optics and algorithmic to emulate any type of interface on any type of surface. h2i’s new HMI reinvent the design and the ergonomics of the items that surround us.
h2i technologies is present in high-potential markets (medical, automotive and household appliances). Several industrials and equipment manufacturers among European and world leaders have opted for h2i’s solutions, offering their customers a unique and valuable differentiation in terms of product design, ergonomics and robustness.
Commenting on this transaction, Renaud Poulard, Partner of Crédit Agricole Private Equity’s venture capital team, said: “We were won over by the innovative approach of h2i’s interactive interfaces, which are in line with the current trend towards “high-tech, low-cost” solutions.
Based in Nîmes, the company currently employs 14 staff. The funds raised will be dedicated to accelerating the company’s market penetration and to consolidating research to ensure the ramp-up of the company’s production.
Gilles Cavallucci, Chairman of h2i technologies’ Management Board, added: “More than an investor, we are welcoming a genuine partner with a shared vision of the 2008-2011 business plan and a common short-term objective for h2i, i.e. achieving European leadership.”
Participants:
Crédit Agricole Private Equity
Renaud Poulard, Partner, Venture Capital team
François-Xavier Dedde, Associate, Venture Capital team
h2i technologies’ Advisor: Aelios Finance
Thibaut de Monclin, Partner
Pierre Dropsy, Associate
h2i technologies’ Legal Advisor: Vendôme Law
Lionel Jung-Allegret, Partner
Crédit Agricole Private Equity’s Legal Advisor: Chammas & Marcheteau
Denis Marcheteau
Géraldine Vignat
Camille Hurel
Due diligence: Audit and Diagnostic Assessment
Philippe Millan
François Laporte
About:
Crédit Agricole Private Equity, an AMF-authorised investment management company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Crédit Agricole S.A., specializes in direct private equity investment in unlisted companies.
A multi-specialist, Crédit Agricole Private Equity has 50 investment teams focusing on different segments of the private equity market (LBO & Expansion, Venture Capital, Mezzanine, Renewable Energy, PPP Infrastructure, Liquidity Solutions, Co-investment) and manages a total of €2 billion in various types of private equity vehicle (FCPR, SICAR, FCPI and SCR).
www-rec.omnescapital.com
Emertec
Emertec the 1st fund managed by Emertec Gestion focuses on the microelectronics, mobility, energy and environment sectors.
Emertec’s team of four professional investors manages four FCPR (French regulated mutual funds dedicated to private equity) amounting to over €120 million. The team currently follows 26 companies to which it contributed significant amounts of start-up capital (€0.5 to 1.5 million). The team and the Emertec funds support innovative young companies with high potential, assisting actively the entrepreneurs, in order to facilitate innovation-led creation of value.
www.emertec.fr
Soridec – A mixed public-private investment company based in Languedoc-Roussillon with €22 million in capital.
Soridec’s generalist mission enables it to take an interest in projects in a wide variety of sectors (life sciences, information industry, various industries, industry services, etc.).
Soridec finances businesses at every stage of their development.
Considering the needs expressed over the past three years, the investments were focused on SME seed capital, creation and buy-out segments. At 31 March 2008, Soridec’s portfolio had a gross value of €16 million invested in 60 businesses.
www.soridec.fr
Press contacts:
h2i technologies
Gilles Cavallucci, cavallucci@h2ieurope.eu – +33 (0)4 66 36 66 00
Crédit Agricole Private Equity
Martine Sessin-Caracci, martine.sessincaracci@ca-privateequity.fr – +33 (0)1 43 23 90 88