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VC-funded biomimicry startup in Novato

NEW PAX STREAMLINE IS TURBINE, AEROSPACE SPINOFF OF PAX SCIENTIFIC

NOVATO – A venture-funded startup studying natural phenomena to streamline turbine and aerospace technology is about to open its doors in Novato.

Spun off from Pax Scientific in San Rafael, Pax Streamline will be the first of that company’s biomimicry subsidiaries to have its own location.

The enterprise is jump-started by a reported initial $6 million investment from green technology proponent Vinod Khosla.

Pax Streamline has leased 15,000 square feet in Novato and will move in mid-April or May, according to a Pax Scientific spokesman.

Pax Scientific was founded in 1997 by visionary Jay Harmon to improve industrial design by studying and adapting the efficiencies of nature.

Its first product was an impeller – the reverse of a propeller – designed to mimic a whirlpool, the path of least resistance for air and liquid movement. The device is used to mix drinking water during the purification process.

Pax Scientific has spun off several subsidiaries licensed to market its technologies: Pax IT for the development of computer cooling systems, Pax Water Technologies for wastewater management systems and PaxAuto for car-cooling systems, among others.

Paul Hawken, co-founder of garden products retailer Smith & Hawken, is CEO of the first three spinoffs. Pax Streamline will have its own CEO.

The startup, according to the Pax Scientific Web site, will develop turbines, heating and air-conditioning systems and aerospace drag-reduction technologies.

Its investor, Khosla Ventures, was formed by the Silicon Valley venture capitalist who was a major investor in Sonoma County telecom startup Cerent. In 1999, Cisco Systems acquired the company for $6.9 billion.

Khosla Ventures doesn’t comment on its portfolio, but lists Pax Streamline in its renewables group under Mechanical Efficiency, describing the technology as “using fluid dynamics modeled on natural systems to improve efficiency.”

The initial $6 million in funding reportedly will be followed by another $6 million as certain milestones are met.

Pax Streamline will occupy office and R&D space at 52 Leveroni Court in Novato.

The lease was arranged by Brian Foster and Steven Leonard of NAI BT Commercial representing Condiotti Enterprises, the property owner, and Matt Brown and Trevor Buck of NAI BT Commercial representing Pax Streamline.

“It’s an interesting company with very exciting technology,” said Mr. Brown, “and a great addition to the Novato business community.”