TDK Ventures Expands India Investments in Semiconductor Manufacturing

TDK Ventures is increasing its focus on India’s semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, robotics and other hardware-based technologies

TDK Ventures is looking to expand its investments in India, with an emphasis on hardware businesses working on robotics, photonics, electric vehicle fast charging and chip technology. Nicolas Sauvage, president of TDK Ventures, sees opportunities for Indian startups to develop practical technologies that can find customers worldwide. The company’s interest in semiconductor manufacturing reflects its wider focus on hardware and engineering rather than software alone.

India Becomes an Important Investment Market

TDK Ventures, the investment arm of Japan’s TDK Corporation, began investing in India around three years ago. It has backed six companies in the country, making India its second-largest investment market by number of investments after the United States.

The firm manages $500 million across four funds. Sauvage said its investments generally fall into two categories: companies creating products for India and businesses developing technologies in India for use in international markets.

The company believes artificial intelligence will create opportunities for startups working in material science and other areas of deep technology. Instead of competing in the crowded market for AI software and models, it is looking at the physical technologies needed to support new applications.

C2i Addresses the Power Needs of AI Chips

One of TDK Ventures’ notable investments is C2i Semiconductors, a Bengaluru-based startup founded by former Texas Instruments engineers. The company develops power-delivery systems for AI chips, where rising electricity demands have created new engineering challenges.

As processors become more powerful, delivering sufficient current within a small space is becoming harder. Sauvage said TDK Ventures assessed around 30 companies worldwide before choosing C2i. The startup has since been acquired by Infineon, giving its technology a route into the wider semiconductor market.

More details about the investment are available in TDK Ventures’ announcement on C2i.

Robotics and Packaging Remain Areas of Interest

TDK Ventures is also exploring physical AI, including robotics and mobility. Its investments include Agility Robotics, and Sauvage said the firm is interested in technologies that improve the dexterity of industrial robots.

The company is also watching developments in advanced packaging, which brings semiconductor components together to meet performance, power and space requirements. Progress in this area could support the growing computing demands of AI systems.

These opportunities also create demand for reliable semiconductor devices used in computing and industrial applications.

India’s developing semiconductor clusters and industrial infrastructure, particularly in Gujarat, are another part of the picture. TDK Ventures sees these developments as important to the growth of local technology companies and their ability to serve international markets.

The firm’s investment strategy points to continued interest in startups with strong engineering capabilities and technologies that solve specific industrial problems.

FAQs

1. What sectors is TDK Ventures targeting in India?

It is focusing on hardware-led deep tech, including robotics, photonics, EV fast charging and chip technology.

2. Who is the president of TDK Ventures?

Nicolas Sauvage is the president of TDK Ventures.

3. What does C2i Semiconductors develop?

C2i develops power-delivery systems for AI chips and high-performance computing applications.

4. Why is advanced packaging important?

It helps integrate semiconductor components to meet performance, power and space requirements.

5. Why is TDK Ventures investing in India?

The firm sees opportunities in India’s engineering talent, semiconductor infrastructure and startups developing technologies for global markets.