Maxim launches VC group

LONDON – Analog and mixed-signal chip maker Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (San Jose, Calif.) has established a corporate venture group to invest in startup companies and innovative technologies.

Maxim revealed through the VC group's Web site that it has already invested in Scintera Networks Inc. and MEMS display company Pixtronix Inc., recently acquired by Qualcomm Inc.

Maxim's VC group will focus on automotive, industrial, mobility and communications, where technologies align with Maxim's business units in terms of collaboration. "Investments made through our new Corporate Venture Group effectively augment our successful, home-grown technology solutions and those we incorporate through acquisitions," Tunc Doluca, Maxim president and CEO, said in a statement. "These investments will also build upon our current technology strengths, allowing for diversification into emerging markets."

The Corporate Venture Group will be led by Yoon Choi. Prior to joining Maxim, Yoon worked at Samsung Ventures, where she was involved in business development, sourcing of strategic investment opportunities and the financial and business analysis of venture transactions.

Maxim did not disclose how much money it plans to invest in startups over what period of time.

In an email communication with EE Times Choi said: "We are taking a balance sheet approach. Therefore it won't be tied with a life/size of a pool of capital. It will depend largely on interesting number of deals but I personally expect to close three or four deals a year. The size of investment will vary upon stage [of life] of the company."


Related links and articles:

www.maxim-ic.com/venturegroup

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