PARIS — French startup E-Blink, specialized in designing and developing equipment solutions for the deployment of base stations in mobile cellular networks, announced it has raised 5 million euros ($6.7 million) in a second round of funding, including 3.5 million euros from existing investor 360 Capital Partners and 1.5 million euros from I-Source and Alven Capital.
E-Blink designs and develops alternative solutions for the deployment of mobile network base stations. The company's core product line, EB1, is said to eliminate the need for coaxial cables or short range fiber optics on base stations. E-Blink's EB1 system is available for 2G and 3G operating frequencies.
Based in Boussy-Saint-Antoine, near Paris, E-Blink was cofounded in December 2005 by Alain Rolland and Christian Bittar.
Funds, said E-Blink, will serve to launch the company's commercial deployment on an international scale and to support its R&D program, whilst simultaneously reinforcing its staff. Distribution agreements are already being discussed in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and India, the French startup specified.
"I have always been convinced that mobile networks and the environment in which they reside deserve more than the traditional cable connections used today. I am happy to note that certain equipment providers are also starting to adopt this line of thought," stated Alain Rolland, co-founder and CEO of E-Blink. "Our objective is to combine E-Blink's development projects with OEM deployment strength to create full wireless networks."
In 2006, E-Blink completed an initial round of 2 million euros led by Alven Capital and I-Source Gestion. These funds aimed at developing the company's product portfolio and ensuring their commercialization in France and worldwide.
