Knectiv Company Profile

Background

Overview

Knectiv is a full-service design, development, and contract manufacturing company specializing in electronic products. Established in 2017, the company relocated its headquarters from Switzerland to Austin, Texas, to leverage the region's technological ecosystem. Knectiv offers comprehensive solutions, guiding clients from initial concept through design, prototyping, and mass production. Their mission is to simplify hardware development, enabling clients to focus on innovation while Knectiv manages the engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and logistical aspects.

Mission and Vision

Knectiv is committed to pioneering innovation that fosters a healthier planet and enhances human well-being. Their mission encompasses the development of cutting-edge technologies that promote environmental sustainability, improve health outcomes, and elevate the quality of life for all. The company believes in the power of technology to address complex global challenges, aiming to create impactful products that support a balanced ecosystem and contribute to a thriving global community.

Primary Area of Focus

Knectiv specializes in electronic product design and manufacturing, serving sectors such as medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. Their services include hardware design, PCB assembly, plastic injection molding, and final assembly, catering to both startups and established companies.

Industry Significance

Operating within the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry, Knectiv plays a crucial role in facilitating the development and production of electronic products. By offering end-to-end solutions, they enable companies to bring innovative products to market efficiently, contributing to advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Knectiv aims to provide high-touch design, development, and contract manufacturing solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Their objectives include delivering cost-effective, high-quality products, streamlining the development process, and fostering long-term partnerships with clients.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in:

Hardware Design: Including ASIC, audio, DSP, Ethernet, FPGA, general digital/analog, high-density/BGA, PCB design/layout, power supply, robotics, schematic capture, USB, and video.

Manufacturing Services: Design for manufacturing, die bonding, high-volume production, low to medium volume production, prototype assembly, prototype testing, rapid prototyping, test fixture development, and turnkey volume production.

Mechanical Design: Enclosure design, full product 3D modeling, and PCB and component 3D modeling.

Software Design: C/C++, Java, and Linux.

Wireless Design: Antennas, Bluetooth, cellular, certification (e.g., FCC/RED), GPS, LoRa, RF design, SigFox, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee.

Key Technologies Utilized

Knectiv employs a range of advanced technologies, including:

Design Tools: Utilizing industry-standard software for PCB design, 3D modeling, and schematic capture.

Manufacturing Techniques: Incorporating die bonding, rapid prototyping, and test fixture development to ensure efficient and high-quality production.

Software Development: Developing software solutions in C/C++, Java, and Linux environments to support a wide array of hardware platforms.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Knectiv serves a diverse clientele, including hardware startups and Fortune 2000 companies, across various industries such as medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. Their services are designed to meet the needs of companies seeking comprehensive solutions for electronic product development and manufacturing.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Knectiv has secured funding through seed rounds, with notable investors including Capital Factory. The company has utilized this capital to expand its operations, enhance its technological capabilities, and strengthen its position in the EMS industry.

Total Funds Raised

Specific details regarding the total funds raised by Knectiv are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Knectiv's latest funding round is a seed round, indicating early-stage investment aimed at supporting the company's growth and development initiatives.

Notable Investors

Capital Factory is a notable investor in Knectiv, reflecting confidence in the company's business model and growth potential.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been directed towards expanding Knectiv's manufacturing capabilities, enhancing research and development efforts, and broadening its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Knectiv has been involved in the development and manufacturing of various products across multiple industries. Notable projects include:

HemataStat Microhematocrit Centrifuge: A device that delivers quantitative hematocrit readings for up to six blood samples in just 60 seconds. Knectiv redesigned the electronics to replace obsolete components and updated the firmware.

Focus Timer: An adjustable hourglass designed to integrate time-blocking practices into daily routines. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Knectiv was tasked with redesigning the PCB and enclosure to reduce costs, leading to a turnkey production of 1,000 units, with an additional 10,000 units in the pipeline.

Grin Scope: An FDA-registered dental device that provides enhanced visibility for dental professionals. Knectiv created the mold for both the plastic scope and silicone strap and has manufactured over 15,000 fully assembled units.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

Specific details regarding the stages of clinical trials or product development for these projects are not publicly disclosed.

Target Conditions

The HemataStat Microhematocrit Centrifuge targets the medical diagnostics sector, focusing on hematocrit measurement. The Focus Timer addresses productivity and time management needs, while the Grin Scope is designed for dental applications.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

The Focus Timer's initial pre-orders were expected to reach backers in March 2024, with additional units planned for production. Specific timelines for other projects are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Knectiv has developed proprietary technologies in product design and manufacturing processes, including specialized molds for medical devices and custom PCBs for consumer electronics. These innovations enable the company to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific client requirements.

Significant Scientific Methods

The company employs advanced design methodologies, such as Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews, to optimize product designs for efficient production. Additionally, Knectiv utilizes rapid prototyping techniques to accelerate product development cycles.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, Knectiv's emphasis on innovation suggests potential integration of AI technologies in product design and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and product performance.

Leadership Team

Nicholas J. Frank

Position: Founder and CEO

Professional Background: With over a decade of experience in the Swiss electronics industry, Nicholas Frank has a strong background in electronic manufacturing and product development.

Key Contributions: As CEO, Frank has been instrumental in establishing Knectiv's presence in the U.S. market and expanding its service offerings.

Michael Lally

Position: Co-Founder

Professional Background: Details regarding Michael Lally's professional background are not publicly disclosed.

Key Contributions: As Co-Founder, Lally has played a significant role in the strategic direction and growth of Knectiv.

Scott Shwarts

Position: Head of Product Development

Professional Background: Specific details about Scott Shwarts' professional background are not publicly available.

Key Contributions: As Head of Product Development, Shwarts oversees the design and development of Knectiv's product portfolio, ensuring alignment with client needs and industry standards.

Li Yancong