A Duke University startup has raised $4.5 million in private equity, according to a Wednesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tyrata Inc., a sensor development and data management company based in Durham, said no executive, director or promoter will receive any of the proceeds, other than the payment of salaries and other compensation and benefits. The company did not disclose how the money will be used.

In collaboration with Duke University, Tyrata’s founders developed sensor technology that help signal when it’s time to replace tires or report information dangerous tire wear conditions, according to Tyrata’s website.

Cleveland-based Dealer Tire, a U.S. replacement tires and parts distributor for automotive dealerships, is the lead investor in the $4.5 million in financing. The company said the money would allow it to develop its sensor technology and prepare for large-scale manufacturing.

Aaron Franklin, an associate professor of engineering and chemistry at Duke, developed the technology. He is working with Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the Pratt School of Engineering to further develop the technology.

Tyrata CEO Jesko von Windheim is a professor of the practice at Duke. He also co-founded Cronos Integrated Microsystems Inc. and founded Nextreme Thermal Solutions Inc., where he was CEO.

He got his MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Companies relying on a Reg D exemption do not have to register their offering of securities with the SEC, but they must file what’s known as a Form D electronically with the SEC after they first sell their securities.