Azumo (Formerly FLEx Lighting II)

About Azumo (Formerly FLEx Lighting II)

Azumo, formerly known as FLEx Lighting, operates as a materials science company specializing in advanced display technology. Founded in 2004 by the collaborative team of Mike Casper (CEO), Shawn Pucylowski (CFO), and Dr. Tony Nichol (CTO), the Chicago-based firm has established a position in the development of sunlight-readable and power-efficient screens. The company's origins trace back to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Casper and Dr. Nichol first worked together on engineering projects, winning an invention competition that funded their first patent. Joined by Pucylowski, they participated in a business plan competition, which catalyzed their entrepreneurial venture. The company initially explored lighting for in-ice advertising for the NHL before pivoting to illuminated promotional signs for retail coolers. A subsequent pivot led them to focus on the display market.

The core of Azumo's business is the manufacture and supply of its front-lit liquid crystal technology, branded as "LCD 2.0". This technology addresses the shortcomings of traditional backlit LCD screens, which are often difficult to see in bright light and consume significant power. Azumo's product combines a reflective LCD (RLCD) with a proprietary Front Light Panel and Lightguide Film. This system utilizes ambient light for illumination when available and employs a low-power front light for visibility in dark conditions. This approach results in a display that offers consistent contrast across all environments while consuming up to 90% less power than conventional backlit displays. The technology also provides a superior color gamut compared to other lighting methods and emits less harsh blue light.

Azumo's business model is centered on manufacturing and supplying these display modules to other companies. The technology is designed as a "drop-in ready" solution, allowing manufacturers to easily integrate it into their existing production processes without significant retrofitting. The company serves a diverse client base across various markets, including consumer electronics (wearables, tablets), industrial equipment (environmental sensors, logistics devices), medical devices, and automotive applications. By providing a component that dramatically extends battery life and improves screen readability in all conditions, Azumo enables its clients to build more versatile and durable products. The company has secured significant funding to scale its operations, including a $30 million Series B round in May 2022, to expand its global manufacturing and sales capabilities.