Oxford spin-out Fuel3D, developing 3D scanners, brings its series A to $9.1m following additional investment from Chimera Partners.

Fuel3D, a spin-out of Oxford University which markets 3D scanners, has closed its series A funding round at $9.1m. The closing follows a further £4m ($6.4m) investment from Chimera Partners.

Chimera had previously invested alongside Parkwalk Advisors in February 2014. Fuel3D raised £1.6m then.

The company will use the funding to push ahead with the expected commercial launch of its consumer scanner in 2015. It will also use the money to expand its research and development and explore vertical markets opportunities such as in the biometrics and eyewear sectors.

Fuel3D originally funded development of its handheld 3D scanner with a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in August 2013. It had sought $75,000 and secured $325,343 from 437 backers. It is now using these backers as beta-testers for its product.

The spin-out is based on research by Ron Daniel, lecturer in Engineering Science at Oxford.

Stuart Mead, chief executive at Fuel3D, said: “This funding round will take Fuel3D through the full commercial launch of our scanner next year, and will allow us to invest in new talent and infrastructure, including growing our operations in the US. In tandem with our consumer product development, we will also be using the funding to further develop our intellectual property so that we can capitalise on the ongoing interest we receive from international brands in applying our technology in new verticals beyond 3D printing.”