Aira Inc is the creator of FreePower technology that can wirelessly charge multiple devices with a design that creates dynamic magnetic fields across the charging surface. Now the company has announced a $12 million Seed funding round for this technology. This additional capital will accelerate the company's expansion into the automotive, enterprise, and hospitality sectors. It will also enable Aira, named FastCompany's Fifth Most Innovative Company in 2021, to expand its operations and engineering resources in preparation for the launch of FreePower 2.0 by year's end.
The company was recently granted its first patents for FreePower and has more than 80 patent assets related to its ground-breaking wireless charging methods.
Aira also announced the appointment of Jawad Ahsan, Axon's Chief Financial Officer, to its board of directors. Ahsan brings more than two decades of global financial strategy experience and public company leadership to the company's board. Jawad currently leads Axon's global finance, corporate strategy, legal, and IT organizations. He also serves as executive sponsor for the company's consumer-facing business. Prior to Axon, Jawad served as CFO for SaaS market intelligence firm Market Track, and spent 13 years at General Electric, most notably serving as CFO for its Healthcare electronic health record and enterprise software businesses.
"This new round of funding is a game-changer when it comes to accelerating our capacity for innovation," said Jake Slatnick, Co-founder and CEO of Aira. "With so many partnerships in our pipeline, a 2.0 version of FreePower on the horizon, and Jawad having just joined our board, this is an inflection point for Aira."
"Aira is transforming the way people charge devices, evolving a technology that has failed to meet consumer expectations since it was first introduced," added Ahsan. "Jake, Eric, and the team have built a technology that will set the standard for the next decade and make consumers less beholden to cables, chargers, power outlets, and the stress of a dead battery during the day. I'm excited to be along for the ride."
Aira in Automotive
Current wireless charging technology is not built for moving environments, leaving consumers and automakers underwhelmed. In-car charging surfaces with FreePower, on the other hand, are able to support devices shifting around while driving, multi-device charging, surfaces of any size, and firmware updates for future enhancements and compatibility. They can also deliver high-power charging while maintaining stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Aira announced a strategic partnership in December 2020 with Motherson Innovations Company Limited, the emerging technologies arm of the Motherson Group, which also invested in the company. This joint project to develop, manufacture, and supply automotive-grade FreePower wireless charging modules into vehicle interiors was recently nominated for a prestigious PACEPilot Award.
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