Ambient Systems Is Ready To Expand Its Growth

Netherlands based Active RFID provider secures investment from PPM Oost and strengthens management team

Ambient Systems, technology leader in active RFID solutions, and the Dutch venture capital firm PPM Oost are pleased to announce the completion of a second round investment. With the support of PPM Oost, Ambient Systems will pursue their international growth strategy, further strengthen its product development and execute on organizational ramp-up. PPM Oost will hold a minority stake in return for the investment.

Founded in 2004 by researchers from the Twente University in the Netherlands, Ambient Systems has rapidly evolved into a high-potential and award-winning growth company. The company recently expanded its executive team with the appointment of Hans Derksen, CEO and Maurice Magdelijns, COO. Both have extensive experience in the international technology industry. Mr. Derksen has a track record in growing new business initiatives, fulfilling several senior management positions at a.o. Philips, HP and Digital Equipment Corporation. Mr. Magdelijns enjoys a broad international experience in wireless communication. Before joining Ambient Systems, he was VP International Systems and Services at Harris Stratex Networks.

Ambient Systems delivers third generation active RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to check, track and trace physical assets. SmartPoints (intelligent tags) make it possible to monitor the location and condition of objects, detect and report in real-time aberrations from user-defined rules, and store information in a ‘digital passport'. The SmartPoints communicate with wireless networks.

Active RFID solutions from Ambient Systems enable enterprises in logistics and manufacturing, to reduce costs and improve the quality and efficiency of their supply chain. Since its founding, Ambient Systems realized over 100 installations all around the globe: from the real-time monitoring of food temperature at a fast-food chain, to monitoring the coral and water quality of one of Australia's most coveted gems: the Great Barrier Reef.

With the support of PPM Oost's Innovation Fund, especially designed for pioneer businesses based in Eastern Netherlands, Ambient is well positioned to further strengthen its international market position and affirm its technology leadership.

"We found Ambient Systems to have the ability to develop and deliver RFID technology for a wide range of applications", said Marius Prins, CEO of PPM Oost. "With its promising outlook, rooted in continuous innovation, Ambient has an excellent fit with our fund strategy."

Hans Derksen, CEO of Ambient Systems said: "We are glad to have the continued confidence from our investors, which allows us to further enhance our business development activities, taking our company to a next level." "With the support of PPM Oost we are best equipped to keep raising the bar, developing solutions that enable ‘smarter' enterprises", according to Paul Havinga, CTO and founder of Ambient Systems.

Kees van Ast, Board Member of Twente University said: "We are proud that Ambient Systems, sprung from the academic world, has proven its business potential, attracting venture capital despite the current challenging investment climate. We hold the firm belief that Ambient Systems will continue to develop and deliver ground breaking technology that changes the world of advanced wireless communications."

About Ambient Systems B.V.
Ambient Systems, based in Enschede (NL), provides third-generation active RFID solutions to improve process quality and efficiency in distribution, transport and industry. Unlike conventional active RFID solutions, Ambient uses intelligent SmartPoints to locate, monitor and protect goods and persons. Robust all-wireless networks enable management by exception at considerably lower costs than traditional solutions. Over 100 customers around the world including Sitos, Cargill and the Australian Institute of Marine Science use solutions from Ambient Systems. Ambient Systems' products are distributed by a constantly growing network of distributors and partners. For more information please visit www.ambient-systems.net.

About PPM Oost
East Netherlands Participation Company (PPM Oost) was formed through the merger of the development companies of the Dutch provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. The participation activities of both companies were incorporated into PPM Oost. PPM Oost invests in promising enterprises that prove themselves to be pioneers and boost regional economy. The industry focus of PPM is health, technology and food.

SOURCE: Ambient Systems