Grainger Technology Partners funds wireless field service company

Grainger Technology Partners, a venture capital investment vehicle for W.W. Grainger Inc., Lincolnshire, Ill., has invested in FieldCentrix Inc., an Irvine, Calif.-based manufacturer of Web-based wireless software solutions for communications equipment used by field-service workers such as electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople.

FieldCentrix raised $23 million in venture capital from Grainger and Sigma Partners, Menlo Park, Calif., the two lead investors, as well as TMCT Ventures, Santa Monica, Calif. Sigma Partners and TMCT Ventures are well-known venture capital backers of high-tech start-ups. Sigma alone manages more than $700 million.

With FieldCentrix's Enterprise software package, electrical contractors can load hand-held computers with key information such as electrical distributors' electronic catalogs, system diagnostics, on-site repair procedures and pricing information. The software also helps contractors submit time sheets and report services performed, electrical supplies used, travel time and expenses remotely from job sites via an Internet connection.