Laser technology developer DataLase has secured funding worth £4.9 million. It was backed by BASF Venture Capital, which supplied £1 million, plus MTI Partners and Hotbed.

Laser technology developer DataLase has secured funding worth £4.9 million. It was backed by BASF Venture Capital, which supplied £1 million, plus MTI Partners and Hotbed.

Widnes, Cheshire-based DataLase recently expanded into the US market by opening a site in Atlanta. Chief executive Steve Kelly says: ‘The new funds will provide the company with the means to further invest in R&D and expand our current product range, as well as consolidate our commitment to the US market.’

DataLase has clients such as German dairy company Müller. It specialises in laser marking technology, primarily patented coatings and additives that change colour when exposed to certain low power lasers. The technology is used for product identification, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and document security.

Looking forward, DataLase is developing technology for colour printing and direct tablet and food marking.