Taiwan-based fabless semiconductor manufacturer MediaTek launched a corporate venturing unit yesterday that will be armed with $300m in capital.
MediaTek Ventures will invest in startups in Greater China, Europe, Japan and North America with the aim of creating a collaborative ecosystem based on MediaTek’s strategies in communications, computing, online media and analytics.
Companies developing technology in the semiconductor-system-and devices, internet infrastructure, services and internet of things sectors will be targeted. MediaTek Ventures will make investments at all stages.
David Ku, MediaTek’s chief financial officer, said: “We will not constrain ourselves to any single region in pursuit of innovation and excellence. Through MediaTek Ventures, a new generation of world-class companies will be empowered.
“We are excited to enable entrepreneurs and start-ups in achieving their dreams and fostering companies that have the potential to create value to end-users around the world and solve the world’s biggest problems.”
Although MediaTek Ventures will constitute its first formal venture capital unit, MediaTek has been active in corporate venturing regardless.
Portfolio companies for the semiconductor producer include motion sensor producer Mcube, smart router company HiWiFi and restaurant reservation service EZTable. It also agreed to invest $49m in a semiconductor technology fund run by the Shanghai municipal government and Summitview Capital.