Imec.xpand, the fund linked to the Belgian research centre imecrecently announced that it has closed its second investment fund at EUR 150 million. The fund invests in ambitious start-ups that benefit significantly from the knowledge, expertise, network and/or infrastructure of the research centre in the development of their innovative technology roadmap. Investments are often a catalyst for start-ups to raise additional funding from investors. The first fund has invested in 16 companies that have so far raised almost EUR 350 million in additional funding.
Recent capital rounds in the likes of PsiQuantum, Spectricity, Celestial AI, Fabric8labs and Axelera AI have highlighted the huge potential of these innovative semiconductor companies.
Tom Vanhoutte of imec.xpand comments, "This demonstrates that our unique partnership with imec, our international approach and our ability to raise large funding rounds in the early stages of development are widely recognised as success drivers for ambitious semiconductor start-ups. Our goal of reaching €250 million will consolidate our fund as a major player in the venture capital ecosystem in the technology sector."
Luc Van den hove, CEO of imec, adds: "To turn a revolutionary idea into a commercial success, entrepreneurs need access to advanced infrastructure, expertise and growth capital - with imec.xpand we are combining these ingredients to create a breeding ground for the unicorns of tomorrow" .
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