Stion Raises $15 Million Series B

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stion (www.stion.com), a next-generation solar photovoltaics company developing high-efficiency thin-film modules comprised of proprietary materials, announced that it has raised a $15 million Series B financing led by Lightspeed Venture Partners (www.lightspeedvp.com). General Catalyst Partners (www.generalcatalyst.com) also participated, as did all three existing investors - Khosla Ventures (www.khoslaventures.com), Braemar Energy Ventures (www.braemarenergy.com) and Moser Baer Photovoltaic (www.moserbaer.com). Peter Nieh, a Partner at Lightspeed, will join Stion’s Board of Directors.

“Our technology is primed for the next phase of development, and the proceeds from this round will take us to early commercialization phase.”

Stion is aiming to minimize the total installed system cost of solar electricity. The Company will use the Series B funds to accelerate its product development efforts. “We are very pleased with the addition of Lightspeed and General Catalyst to our investor base,” said Chet Farris, Stion’s President and CEO. “Our technology is primed for the next phase of development, and the proceeds from this round will take us to early commercialization phase.”

About Stion

Stion was founded in 2006, and its technology is based on the work of Dr. Howard Lee, a leading researcher in nanotechnology and semiconductor materials and devices with 28 years of corporate, government and R&D experience. The Company’s President and CEO, Chet Farris previously worked as President of Shell Solar Industries and also served as President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

About Lightspeed

Lightspeed Venture Partners combines extensive venture capital and operating experience to assist entrepreneurs in creating industry-leading technology companies. Lightspeed manages $1.3 billion in committed capital and focuses on early-stage investments in the U.S., Asia and Israel.

About General Catalyst

General Catalyst Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in exceptional entrepreneurs who are building the technology-based companies that will lead innovation and transform industries. Founded in 2000, General Catalyst Partners leverages its principals’ extensive operational, business development and technological expertise to provide portfolio companies with a catalyst for success through business-building and partnership development assistance. General Catalyst has approximately $1 billion under management and is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, please visit: www.generalcatalyst.com.