U-M startup Fusion Coolant raises $1.25 million

August 24, 2016
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Fusion coolant technology. Image courtesy: Steven J. SkerlosFusion coolant technology. Image courtesy: Steven J. SkerlosANN ARBOR—Fusion Coolant Systems, a University of Michigan spinout based in Canton, announced it has raised $1.25 million in its first close of Series B funding.

The funding included an investment from U-M’s investment program MINTS (Michigan Investment in New Technology Startups) along with the Amherst Fund, a privately held investment firm based in Ann Arbor. Additional investors are expected to join the financing over the next six months. The funds will be used for Fusion’s laboratory expansion in Canton and to grow the engineering and sales team.

Fusion Coolant was founded in 2011 to deliver the next-generation of coolant and lubricant technology to advanced manufacturing operations through the use of supercritical carbon dioxide.

“MINTS is enthusiastic to participate in Series B given Fusion’s growing market acceptance in the biomedical sector and the inroads it continues to make within the automotive and aerospace sectors,” said Rafael Castilla, director of investment risk management at U-M. “Fusion has proven its technology and is transitioning its focus to business execution and scaling.”

Inventor Steve Skerlos, interim CEO of Fusion Coolant Systems and the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mechanical Engineering at U-M, said: “Fusion is disrupting the traditional view of coolants and lubricants used in manufacturing.

“Instead of being a toxic ‘necessary evil’ as is the case with traditional fluids, Fusion’s supercritical carbon dioxide metalworking fluids can increase production rates, increase tool life, protect worker health and eliminate water pollution, all while reducing a factory’s carbon footprint.”

Matt Turner, president and CEO of Amherst Fund and an experienced manufacturing industry investor, said: “Fusion’s Pure-Cut and Lube-Cut products offer a competitive advantage to the world’s most demanding metalworking processes, and we are excited to be a part of this company.”

 

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