3M Invests In Perceptive Pixel

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

3M, through its 3M New Ventures business, has invested in Perceptive Pixel Inc., a developer of advanced multi-touch solutions based in New York City. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This is not actually a surprising development, though it does goes to show the current interest that ‘interactive’ and ‘touch’ have in the investor space – we know of one other big corporate that will invest in a small / niche interactive / touch player deal that is likely to be announced in the next few weeks.

  • Perceptive Pixel Inc. was founded by multi-touch pioneer Jeff Han back in 2006. Stefan Gabriel, president, 3M New Ventures told us “Perceptive Pixel has developed advanced technologies to enable intuitive multi-user, multi-touch interaction. This strategic investment will create potential growth opportunities for the 3M Touch Systems business unit, stimulating future innovations in a variety of industries that use multi-touch devices.”
  • Voyl Divljakovic, vice president and general manager, 3M Electronic Solutions Division was quoted as saying “Perceptive Pixel is at the forefront of multi-touch, seen as cutting-edge pioneers with this revolutionary user interface. Coupled with 3M Touch Systems’ industry-leading single-touch and multi-touch screen solutions, we believe this partnership will change the way users interact with a variety of technologies in the years to come.”
  • 3M was already using Perceptive Pixel at events and has long been rumoured to be figuring out its ISV strategy for months. There are rumours also of another 3M acquisition in Germany going through the due diligence stage at the moment.
  • Whilst 3M would be loathe to admit it we expect we think they don’t have the right resources in house to do multitouch software so this deal makes a lot of sense.

Jeff Han, founder, Perceptive Pixel Inc said “We recognize 3M Touch Systems as a global technology leader in the touch industry, particularly with its projective capacitive technology (PCT) products.” He said “We are excited to partner with a company that shares our strong commitment to innovation and look forward to working together to push the boundaries of multi-touch solutions.”

We are not quite sure how 3M will find room in their boardroom for both Jeff Han’s ego and the 3M directors but we are sure they will work something out.


One Response to “3M Invests In Perceptive Pixel”

  1. Steve Gladden Says:

    Is this just for Jeff’s software capabilities, or does this mean 3M will go to market with full interactive solutions (including monitor) like they have done in the mid size P-Caps?

    Okay Adrian, what’s the other investment?

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