Avaak brings in $7M to prep wire-free camera

October 3, 2008 | Camille Ricketts | Comments |

Avaak, a creator of video networking technology, received $7 million in its first round of private funding — money that will go toward putting the finishing touches on its new camera system, the Vue Personal Video Network. Even though it was initially developed for homeland security purposes, the company is now touting the Vue as a “lifestyle product” for regular consumers.

The company hasn’t revealed much about the camera, slated to launch in early 2009, except that it runs on very little power and comes with no wires attached. This portability will let Vue users instantaneously capture, view and share videos from anywhere at anytime, Avaak says. The company is aiming to sell the camera for personal, rather than commercial, use. Seed money came from the U.S. government, which uses a version of the cameras for homeland security and military purposes, namely allowing soldiers to see around blind corners by tossing or installing small durable models in obscured areas. Avaak received sizable assistance at the start of the year from the Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technology (CCAT, pronounced sea-cat), which helped the startup scout federal funds and speed up progress.

Less than a year later, the consumer market is catching on. Last month, the tiny camera landed San Diego-based Avaak a finalist spot in the Consumer Electronics Association’s i-Stage Competition. Some of the funding will be used to devise an appropriate marketing strategy. It’ll be interesting to see if they choose to capitalize on the security aspects of the product or more fun, casual uses.

The round was led by Trinity Ventures, joined by InterWest Partners and Leapfrog Ventures.

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About the Author, Camille Ricketts

Camille is the lead writer for GreenBeat. She came to VentureBeat from Google where she worked on its traditional platforms team, particularly in TV. Before that, she was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in New York and London. Follow her on Twitter at @camillericketts, and follow VentureBeat on Twitter at @venturebeat.

With GreenBeat 2009, VentureBeat's all-star conference on all things Smart Grid, coming up in November, Camille will be expanding coverage of this exciting space. Stay up to date by following @greenbeat2009 on Twitter or by becoming a fan of the event on Facebook here.

  • WiredMike
    Wow, this seems like it could be a fancier version of the X1 video camera from all those pop-up ads back in early 2000's!!
  • Hey the funding seems smart as this product actually seems like it will be one of the very few successful ones actually receiving funding.
  • Lou
    Good news. Avaak, industry leader in easy-to-use, wire-free personal video networking technology, is launching its first consumer product. Low power consumption and wireless connectivity will definitely have a major impact in the market.

    Lou
    Private Equity Jobs
  • Shadowlayer
    While I could see a use in low-cost security, targeting this for personal use is a big mistake.

    Think for a second: tiny wireless cameras with long battery time. The only people who would be genuinely interested in such a product would be stalkers and pervs.