Japan-based semiconductor manufacturer Rohm launched a ¥5bn ($45.4m) corporate venture capital fund yesterday that will be overseen by its group chief technology officer.
Founded in 1958 as Toyo Electronics Industry Corporation, Rohm manufactures chips and other electronic parts including transistors, diodes, resistors and LEDs.
The vehicle will identify ideas and technologies with the potential to solve social issues and create growth opportunities for Rohm over the next decade, including semiconductor materials, decarbonisation technology and in-vehicle and industrial equipment-related chip applications.
Rohm will also make limited partner commitments to other VC funds through the unit, which is slated to operate over a 10-year period. It had previously collaborated with universities and startups to develop semiconductor technologies.
Through the corporate venturing fund, the company intends to accelerate the open innovation strategy set out in its medium-term management plan, dubbed Moving Forward to 2025.
