Khosla-backed Caitin launches in Petaluma

PETALUMA -- Caitin, Inc., a newly formed clean tech company backed by Khosla Ventures, has selected a CEO, the Petaluma company announced today. Dr. Thomas Caulfield will lead the spinoff from Pax Streamline of Novato, once led by telecom veteran John Webley.

Mr. Webley is not involved in the new company, which is developing cooling and refrigeration solutions and also more effective wind turbine blades.

The 15-employee startup holds patents that were previously held by the former division of Pax Scientific in San Rafael.

According to Caitin spokesperson Kasey Arnold-Ince, Silicon Valley venture firm Khosla Ventures is the primary owner, with an undisclosed investment. Owner Vinod Khosla had invested about $7 million in Pax Streamline.

Caitin is applying hypersonic aerodynamics to create unique cooling solutions for commercial chillers, electronics and automotives with the idea of replacing traditional refrigerants. Its wind division is employing g high-lift wing technology to develop more effective wind turbine blades.

The new CEO previously served as president and COO at Ausra, another company funded by Khosla Ventures. Dr. Caulfield has more than 15 years in the semiconductor industry including four year s as executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service at Novellus Systems Inc.

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