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Android co-founder's new firm raises $48m

By Reuters
US, 07 Apr 2015

The company started by Andy Rubin, the architect of Google's Android mobile business, to support and advise device-making tech start-ups, has raised $48 million in equity financing, according to a regulatory filing.

The company, Playground Global, listed Rubin as a managing director, according to the filing.

Rubin, who was also head of Google's nascent robotics effort, stepped down from the company in October after a nine-year stint during which he built Android into a free, open source software platform.

Playground Global's investors included Google, Hewlett-Packard, Hon Hai Precision Industry, and other technology companies, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing an interview with Rubin.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the investment, but declined to comment further. HP was not immediately available for comment.

Playground Global will not invest in start-ups, but will take stakes in return for its support, the Journal said.

The filing listed Bruce Leak, a co-founder of WebTV, and Matt Hershenson, who co-started Danger along with Rubin, as directors of Playground Global.

WebTV, now called MSN TV, and Danger were bought by Microsoft.

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