Linear Labs Inc. Company Profile
Background
Linear Labs Inc., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a pioneering smart electric motor company. The company's mission is to accelerate humanity and alleviate suffering through innovative engineering feats that bring smarter energy solutions to the world. Linear Labs specializes in designing and manufacturing integrated electrification solutions, including superior motors, advanced controllers, and high-performance software. Their groundbreaking Hunstable Electric Turbine (HET) technology has positioned them as a significant player in the electric power industry, impacting sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, HVAC systems, and industrial applications.
Key Strategic Focus
Linear Labs' strategic focus centers on delivering electric motor systems that offer at least twice the torque and 30% increased efficiency compared to traditional motors. Their core objectives include advancing the HET technology, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and penetrating primary markets such as automotive, micro-mobility, industrial pumps, and HVAC systems. By integrating high-powered motors with advanced electronics and embedding machine learning intelligence, Linear Labs aims to redefine energy utilization across various industries.
Financials and Funding
Linear Labs has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and technological advancements:
- March 2019: Closed a $4.5 million seed round led by Science Inc. and Kindred Ventures, with participation from investors such as Chris and Crystal Sacca, Ryan Graves of Saltwater Ventures, and others. The funds were allocated to market the HET technology across various industries, including EVs, micro-mobility, robotics, wind turbines, and HVAC systems.
- October 2020: Raised an additional $6 million in funding from investors including Champion Hill, Lowercarbon Capital, Kindred Ventures, and others. This capital was intended to expand manufacturing expertise, supply chain infrastructure, and logistics to meet the production targets of 100,000 units in 2021 and 1,000,000 units in 2022.
Additionally, in June 2020, Linear Labs entered into a $68.9 million economic incentive partnership with the City of Fort Worth to develop a 500,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility, aiming to create thousands of skilled jobs over the next decade.
Pipeline Development
Linear Labs' product pipeline is anchored by the Hunstable Electric Turbine (HET) technology, which has been developed into various motor series:
- 200 Series Motor: Designed for e-mobility applications such as e-bikes, golf carts, e-scooters, and drones. This series offers twice the peak torque of its closest competitors, with 108 Nm and bursts up to 140 Nm, while being 1.7 kg lighter and achieving an average efficiency of 88%.
The company has set ambitious production targets, aiming to produce 100,000 units in 2021 and scaling up to 1,000,000 units in 2022, to meet the demands of global OEMs in automotive, micro-mobility, industrial pump applications, and HVAC systems.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Linear Labs' proprietary HET technology represents a significant innovation in electric motor design:
- Proprietary Technologies: The HET is a new class of electric machine that produces up to twice the torque of competitor motors or the same torque in half the size. It features a unique magnetic flux tunnel with dual axial and dual radial flux rotors, effectively functioning as four motors working in unison.
- Scientific Methods: The HET design minimizes flux leakage and can be manufactured using either rare-earth or ferrite magnets, offering flexibility and cost advantages.
- AI-Driven Capabilities: Linear Labs integrates machine learning intelligence into their motor systems, enabling real-time adjustments to changing conditions and optimizing performance across various applications.
Leadership Team
Linear Labs boasts a leadership team with extensive experience in technology and engineering:
- Brad Hunstable, Founder & CEO: Previously founded and served as CEO of Ustream, a live-video streaming service acquired by IBM for $150 million. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holder of an MBA from The Ohio State University.
- Fred Hunstable, Inventor, Founder & CTO: A prolific innovator with deep expertise in electrical engineering and nuclear power, credited with designing and testing the HET, the first new methodology in electric motors and generators in 120 years.
- Mary Korn, CFO: Former CFO of Ustream, with over 25 years of experience in high-growth venture-backed and public technology companies. Holds an MBA from Santa Clara University and is a CPA licensed in California.
- Erik Hatch, Vice President of Engineering: Brings over 25 years of experience in engineering and project management, with previous roles at General Motors, Faraday Future, and Saleen Automotive.
- Csaba Sipőcz, Director of Software Engineering: Former Vice President of R&D Operations at Ustream, with over 30 years of coding experience and expertise in developing web/cloud applications.
- Jon Hurry, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships: With over 25 years in the automotive industry, including roles at Tesla and Faraday Future, focusing on electric vehicle efficiency and high-performance electric hub motors.
- James Harrington, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations: Over