Intel Corp.’s global investment organization Intel Capital poured fresh investments totaling to $132 million in 11 technology startups, which have been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous computing, and chip design in their innovations.
Intel Capital is on track to invest between $300 million and $500 million in technology companies in 2020, spanning technology domains in AI, intelligent edge, and network transformation. The investment firm believes that these technologies are crucial in bringing transformations to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods.
The companies joining Intel Capital’s portfolio are Anodot, Astera Labs, Axonne, Hypersonix, KFBIO, Lilt, MemVerge, ProPlus Electronics, Retrace, Spectrum Materials, and Xsight Labs.
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“Intel Capital identifies and invests in disruptive startups that are working to improve the way we work and live. Each of our recent investments is pushing the boundaries in areas such as AI, data analytics, autonomous systems, and semiconductor innovation,” said Wendell Brooks, SVP, Intel and president, Intel Capital. “Intel Capital is excited to work with these companies as we jointly navigate the current world challenges and as we together drive sustainable, long-term growth.”
Diverse investments
In 2019, Intel Capital made 32% of its new investments in startups led by women, underrepresented minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, entrepreneurs living with disabilities, and/or veterans, up from 18% in 2018. In 2015, Intel Capital announced its goal to invest $125 million over five years in companies with diverse leadership. That goal was achieved two years early in 2018; as of the first quarter of 2020, Intel Capital reached a new milestone, surpassing $300 million invested since publicly announcing its initiative.
Intel Capital said it is committed to bringing resources and expertise to accelerate the work of these teams and the realization of potentially world-changing technologies.
In 2019, Intel Capital invested $466 million in 36 new investments and 35 follow-on investments, led 72% of its deals, and had 22 successful exits. It delivered active support to advise entrepreneurs to build successful and scalable businesses through mentorship, collaborative innovation, go-to-market strategies, company board membership, and facilitation of more than 3,000 portfolio introductions to Global 2000 decision-makers.