TLDR:
- Imec.xpand launches a €300 million fund to accelerate semiconductor and nanotechnology innovations.
- The fund aims to invest in startups with the potential to be globally disruptive in their target domains and drive next-generation technologies.
Imec.xpand, an independent global venture capital fund, has announced the launch of a new €300 million fund aimed at accelerating the growth of transformative semiconductor and nanotechnology innovations. In collaboration with imec, a world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics, the fund will invest in startups with the potential to disrupt their target domains globally. The team behind the fund is characterized by high technological expertise and a hands-on approach, with connections to imec that allow for the assessment of technology risk in early-stage deep tech companies.
Imec.xpand invests globally across all stages, transforming semiconductor and nanotechnology innovations into market-ready solutions. The fund focuses on breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and photonics. For life sciences, imec.xpand is seeking opportunities to advance medical diagnostics and treatments through technologies in cell therapy, sequencing, and neuromodulation.
Since its launch in 2017 with the support of imec, imec.xpand has attracted a loyal base of international financial and strategic investors. The fund has built a strong track record of investing in game-changing companies, with 23 companies in its portfolio that have raised nearly €1.5 billion in financing, including two unicorns. Noteworthy portfolio companies include Celestial AI, PsiQuantum, and Swave Photonics, each developing cutting-edge technologies with global competitive advantages in their respective markets.
Key Quote: “Imec.xpand is not just about funding startups, it’s about building companies that can lead the next wave of technological transformation. With this fund, we are dedicated to advancing the semiconductor industry by empowering startups to bring innovative technologies to market faster. The combination of our venture capital and international network helps unicorns grow amid the global race for semiconductor supremacy.” – Tom Vanhoutte, partner at imec.xpand
