Funding

WHILL raises $17.5M in Series B

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What does WHILL do?

Whill, is a startup which is dedicated to constructing better mobility devices and wheelchairs. The company designs and creates personal mobility products. This company is making transportation smart and enjoyable for everyone. The company aims at changing the perception of mobility aids such as scooters and wheelchairs through advanced smart design and technology.

How much WHILL was funded?

The company raised $17.5M in Series B on May 31, 2016 from Golden Asia Fund Venture, Eight Roads Ventures and Mirai Creation Investment Limited Partnership.

Previous funding

  • $100k on June 25, 2013 from 500 Startups
  • $1.75M on November 30, 2013 from Eric Kwan, MUFJ Capital, VTF Capital (fka VegasTechFund), Itochu Technology Ventures, KAMIA, SunBridge Global Ventures and 500 Startups.
  • $11M in Series A on September 2, 2014 from Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, 500 Startups, Scott McNealy, Jochu Technology Co., Technology Ventures,  Itochu and YJ Capital

What is next for WHILL?

WHILL has plans on entering the European market. The company has plans of using the latest funding raised for marketing its devices in the U.S.A., where it has launched an airport rental program in the month of April. The company has recently got approval from the FDA for the Model M, which is meant to be more navigable and attractive alternative for the motorized wheelchairs. So it can now be marketed as a med device in the country and doctors can start writing prescription for it this summer.

More about WHILL

WHILL was founded on May 1, 2012 by Muneaki Fukuoka, Naoto Sakakibara, Junpei Naito, Satoshi Sugie and Atsushi Mizushima. It has its headquarters in San Carlos, California. Its products use a patented wheel which enables users in making tight turns even on sloping surface and rough terrains. The company hopes that its other features like technology will help its devices in driving autonomously and be remotely managed, will make it stand out from its competitors.

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