Imec.xpand, an independent global venture capital fund, has announced the creation of a new €300 million fund. This investment is aimed at fostering the growth of groundbreaking semiconductor and nanotechnology innovations. In partnership with imec, a leading research and development hub in nanoelectronics, the fund is set to invest in startups with disruptive potential on a global scale. The intent is to supercharge semiconductor advancements that stray from traditional uses and catalyze next-gen technologies that lead the industry by a decade.
With a strategy to invest across all developmental stages worldwide, Imec.xpand is transforming semiconductor and nanotech innovations into commercial solutions. By capitalizing on imec’s expertise, the fund is championing pioneering technologies in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), photonics, and life sciences, including cell therapy and medical diagnostics.
“Building companies that lead technological innovation is our goal, not merely funding them,” expressed Tom Vanhoutte, a partner at the venture fund. “Our fund is committed to propelling the semiconductor sector forward by enabling startups to accelerate their market entry. Our venture capital assistance coupled with our global network is pivotal for startups to thrive in the competitive semiconductor landscape.”
Since its inception in 2017 with imec’s robust backing, Imec.xpand has garnered a faithful international investor base. The fund has established a significant track record by investing in transformative companies. As a venture capital player, especially in the United States, it holds a unique position that helps attract co-investors for its ventures. The endorsement from Imec.xpand often serves as a financial catalyst, assisting startups in securing further investments. To date, the fund has backed 23 companies, which collectively have raised close to €1.5 billion in financing, including two unicorns.
Imec.xpand’s portfolio is replete with companies developing avant-garde technologies that set them apart globally. Highlighted among them are Celestial AI, PsiQuantum, and Swave Photonics – each contributing to fields such as AI infrastructure, quantum computing, and 3D holographic imaging. The fund’s distinct approach is characterized by its independent management, specific semiconductor focus, and strong imec partnership, differentiating it from other venture capital enterprises.
About Imec.xpand: As a leading venture capitalist for early-stage semiconductor innovation, Imec.xpand’s funds are specifically designed to support deep tech startups where imec’s vast knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure can substantially impact their development. With a global vision to create disruptive companies and a philosophy that adequate early funding is critical for success, Imec.xpand’s unique capacity to evaluate technology risk in its nascent stages is a testament to its pioneering strategy in hardware-driven semiconductor innovation.
