Ozmo Devices has come out of hiding to make software to create a short-range wireless network around someone's computer.
Ozmo's software uses Wi-Fi radio to create a "personal area network," or a short-range wireless Internet network that can transmit data from devices to a laptop computer. The software lets computer makers replace more expensive hardware that does the same function.
The Palo Alto, Calif., company told VentureWire that it raised $12.5 million in funding from Granite Ventures, Intel Capital, and Tallwood Venture Capital. It raised the money in 2005 but only disclosed it today.
Originally called H-Stream Wireless, the company enables Wi-Fi PAN equipment -- such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, or game console -- to be connected wirelessly without the dongle that plugs into a PC's universal serial bus port. Dave Timm, chief executive, told VentureWire that it is cheaper to use the software because it doesn't require extra hardware and thus trims costs for PC makers.
The company has 26 employees and is planning to raise $7 million to $15 million in the coming months. The company will show off the technology at Intel's booth at the Computex trade show in Taiwan this week.