Microvision signs deal with #1 Global Semiconductor Distributor

You don't need deals with big distributors if you have only one or two customers.

There were a number of distributors at the STM technical presentation...

Today, MicroVision issued a press release announcing the following distribution agreement:

REDMOND, Wash. and Taipei, Taiwan– Sept 13, 2017 – MicroVision, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVIS), a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and sensing technology, and WPG Holdings (TSE: 3702, WPG), the largest distributor of semiconductor components in Asia, today announced that they have entered into an agreement for distribution of MicroVision’s line of PicoP® scanning engines across Asia.

WPG will distribute MicroVision’s engine products in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia through its subsidiaries AIT Group, WPG Korea and South Asia. MicroVision has announced its plans to have three different PicoP scanning engines in the market in 2017 and 2018: the first engine is available now for applications that benefit from a small form factor display engine; the second engine, for which development kits began sampling this quarter, combines projected display with an interactive user interface that mimics the familiar touch screen of a smartphone or tablet; the third engine is a 3D sensing solution for mid-range LiDAR, and samples are expected to be available in the first half of 2018.

“We are intrigued by the different scanning engine products MicroVision is developing and impressed with the capabilities of PicoP® scanning technology to support multiple applications from a common technology platform,” said Frank Yeh, Chief Executive Officer of WPG. “We see great potential with this product line and are looking forward to introducing this ground breaking technology to our customers across Asia.”

“Bringing new technology to market requires strong partners, and WPG and its subsidiaries have the leadership, regional presence and demonstrated service level we were seeking in a distributor,” said Alexander Tokman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MicroVision. “As the number one semiconductor distributor in Asia with trans-national services and established customer relationships across the Asia region, this partnership with WPG can help us grow the market for our PicoP® scanning engines.”

WPG and its subsidiaries will provide sales and marketing and technical support as well as distribution services. The agreement is effective immediately.

About MicroVision

MicroVision is the creator of PicoP® scanning technology, an ultra-miniature laser projection and sensing solution based on the laser beam scanning methodology pioneered by the company. MicroVision’s platform approach for this advanced display and sensing solution means that it can be adapted to a wide array of applications and form factors. It is an advanced solution for a rapidly evolving, always-on world. MicroVision’s business model and product line offering includes display and sensing engines, licensing its patented technology and selling components to licensees for incorporation into their scanning engines.

Extensive research has led MicroVision to become an independently recognized leader in the development of intellectual property. MicroVision’s IP portfolio has been recognized by the Patent Board as a top 50 IP portfolio among global industrial companies and has been included in the Ocean Tomo 300 Patent Index. The company is based in Redmond, Wash.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.microvision.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MicroVisionInc or follow MicroVision on Twitter at @MicroVision.

About WPG

WPG Holdings is the number 1* global semiconductor distributor and the largest electronics distributor in Asia, with headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan (TSE:3702). WPG Holdings, operating through four leading semiconductor components distributors (WPIg, SACg, AITg, and YOSUNg), serves as a franchise partner for nearly 250 world-wide suppliers. With 5,100 staff in about 71 IED and 34 Non-IED sales offices around the world (about 43 IED & 34 Non-IED in Greater China and Asia Pacific region), WPG Holdings achieved US$16.65 billion in 2016 revenue. (*Source: Ranked No. 1 by Gartner Research Mar. 2016.)

MicroVision and PicoP are trademarks of MicroVision, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.