HZO is a company that launches in 2011 after recognizing the market need to safeguard electronics from the most demanding environments. IDC predicts that by 2025, there will be over 75B connected devices, which are smaller, more complex, and require protection from the elements. HZO protects electronics with world-class nanocoatings to enable a better, more durable product. The company protected its first production eReader in 2014, which was the Tolino Vision 2 HD.
The company told me that “There are various ways to approach waterproofing. Old world techniques include using mechanical seals that unfortunately do not stand the test of time. Next-generation solutions that leverage advanced nano coatings simply protect better. HZO is uniquely positioned to provide a level of protection that is unprecedented with our Spectrum of Protection™ – a portfolio of thin-film and nano coatings, less than the thickness of a human hair to the critical circuitry of a device. This coating ensures that the device continues to work as designed in the most adverse conditions, including exposure to the elements. HZO helps brands develop their offerings to ensure delivery of the level of protection required.”
Currently HZO applies its waterproof IPX7 and IPX8 solutions to Tolino, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Pocketbook. They work directly with OEMS to apply the technology during the manufacturing process and work directly with Foxconn and Netronix.
In April HZO raised $70 million in a new financing round. The round is comprised of $40 million of Series IV Preferred Stock and $30 million of new credit facilities provided by Cathay Bank for capital equipment and working capital. They company has raised over $200 million to date.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
