Applied Ventures

Applied Ventures, LLC is the venture capital arm of Applied Materials, a leader in nanomanufacturing technology solutions for the electronics industry. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies that show potential for high growth and significant returns. Applied Ventures aims to invest in businesses that align with or enhance Applied Materials' core expertise, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, displays, and solar photovoltaic technology. Through its investments, Applied Ventures seeks to foster the development of innovative technologies and markets that can serve as natural extensions of Applied Materials' offerings, thereby contributing to the advancement of applications within these industries.

Blair Georgakas

Senior Associate

Anand Kamannavar

Global Head

Saewook Lee

Senior Investment Manager

Frank Lee

Investment Director

Brad McManus

Investment Director

Omkaram Nalamasu

President

Rajesh Ramanujam

Investment Director

John Wei

Investment Director

Past deals in Semiconductor

Ionblox

Series B in 2023
Zenlabs has developed proprietary silicon-based formulations that offer higher specific capacity, longer cycle life, and lower cost. Zenlabs' anodes are unique in their high loading level and high active silicon content. In addition, Zenlabs has solved the common problems with silicon based anodes such as poor cycling and swelling. Zenlabs combines these high capacity anodes with high capacity cathode materials in large format pouch cells to achieve energy densities that are much higher than what is commercially available.

Scintil Photonics

Venture Round in 2022
Scintil Photonics SAS, founded in 2018 and based in Grenoble, France, specializes in the development of silicon photonic integrated circuits aimed at advancing high-speed optical communications and chip interconnections. The company offers a range of products, including multi-wavelength lasers, waveguides, wavelength filters, and photodetectors. By employing wafer-scale bonding techniques that combine Silicon and Indium Phosphide materials, Scintil Photonics creates fully integrated circuits that enhance performance and reliability while significantly lowering implementation costs. Their innovative approach allows for the monolithic integration of optical amplifiers and lasers on advanced silicon photonic circuits, making their solutions suitable for a variety of industrial applications.

Metalenz

Series A in 2021
Metalenz, Inc. is focused on the research, development, production, and prototyping of innovative optical components. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Weston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in San Francisco, the company specializes in novel optical elements that utilize structured Huygens' surfaces, also known as metamaterial structures. These advanced technologies allow for precise control of wavefronts, polarization, and other light properties. Metalenz's ultra-thin planar optics are designed for high-resolution, full-color imaging, making lenses for mobile phones, computers, and various smaller electronic devices more compact and lightweight. This approach provides businesses with miniaturized alternatives to traditional lenses, enhancing the performance and design of modern electronic products.

Antaios

Series A in 2020
Antaios develops innovative memory technology. Antaios is fully engaged in bringing the technology to the market to help chip manufacturers solve the critical issue of exploding power requests in advanced semiconductor systems.
Leading Edge Equipment Technologies, based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, specializes in the development and manufacturing of kerfless, single crystal silicon wafers designed for use in solar panels. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating wafers that enhance efficiency and reduce costs while seamlessly integrating into existing module manufacturing processes without necessitating any modifications.

Inpria

Series C in 2020
Inpria Corporation, founded in 2007 and based in Corvallis, Oregon, specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of EUV metal oxide photoresists. The company is recognized as a pioneer in extending semiconductor lithography by utilizing inorganic photoresists and thin films for nanoscale patterning. Inpria’s innovative photo-condensed molecular oxides allow for the direct deposition of atomically smooth and dense metal oxide films from a solution, which can be photopatterned. This technology enhances performance while simplifying processing, supporting advancements in EUV lithography and addressing the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.

Electroninks

Series A in 2017
Electroninks Incorporated, founded in 2013 as a spinout from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializes in developing advanced materials for consumer electronics. Based in Austin, Texas, with additional offices in Silicon Valley, Korea, and China, the company combines expertise in materials science and design to create innovative inks and products. Electroninks' unique formulations leverage novel chemistries that prioritize pure metallic films, enhancing performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Their inks, characterized by small-molecule chemistries, can be printed using digital and roll-to-roll methods, allowing for fine resolutions and low-temperature annealing. Unlike traditional nanoparticle technologies, their particle-free formulations do not require binders, resulting in superior performance and integration capabilities in electronic applications.

Metalenz

Seed Round in 2017
Metalenz, Inc. is focused on the research, development, production, and prototyping of innovative optical components. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Weston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in San Francisco, the company specializes in novel optical elements that utilize structured Huygens' surfaces, also known as metamaterial structures. These advanced technologies allow for precise control of wavefronts, polarization, and other light properties. Metalenz's ultra-thin planar optics are designed for high-resolution, full-color imaging, making lenses for mobile phones, computers, and various smaller electronic devices more compact and lightweight. This approach provides businesses with miniaturized alternatives to traditional lenses, enhancing the performance and design of modern electronic products.

Inpria

Series B in 2017
Inpria Corporation, founded in 2007 and based in Corvallis, Oregon, specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of EUV metal oxide photoresists. The company is recognized as a pioneer in extending semiconductor lithography by utilizing inorganic photoresists and thin films for nanoscale patterning. Inpria’s innovative photo-condensed molecular oxides allow for the direct deposition of atomically smooth and dense metal oxide films from a solution, which can be photopatterned. This technology enhances performance while simplifying processing, supporting advancements in EUV lithography and addressing the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.

Lumiode

Series A in 2017
Lumiode is a New York City-based semiconductor technology startup specializing in high-brightness microdisplays for augmented reality and other display applications. Lumiode is venture-backed by IP Group and Applied Ventures.

SuNAM

Series A in 2016
SuNam Co.,Ltd, green energy material technology venture enterprise founded in 2004 had commercialized technologies in the fields of superconductors, nano and advanced materials, under the company's MOTO, "commercial developments for the environmentally friendly and high energy-efficient technologies realization," especially high temperature superconducting second-generation wires and its applications including the backup system supply.

Electroninks

Series A in 2016
Electroninks Incorporated, founded in 2013 as a spinout from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializes in developing advanced materials for consumer electronics. Based in Austin, Texas, with additional offices in Silicon Valley, Korea, and China, the company combines expertise in materials science and design to create innovative inks and products. Electroninks' unique formulations leverage novel chemistries that prioritize pure metallic films, enhancing performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Their inks, characterized by small-molecule chemistries, can be printed using digital and roll-to-roll methods, allowing for fine resolutions and low-temperature annealing. Unlike traditional nanoparticle technologies, their particle-free formulations do not require binders, resulting in superior performance and integration capabilities in electronic applications.

Inpria

Venture Round in 2014
Inpria Corporation, founded in 2007 and based in Corvallis, Oregon, specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of EUV metal oxide photoresists. The company is recognized as a pioneer in extending semiconductor lithography by utilizing inorganic photoresists and thin films for nanoscale patterning. Inpria’s innovative photo-condensed molecular oxides allow for the direct deposition of atomically smooth and dense metal oxide films from a solution, which can be photopatterned. This technology enhances performance while simplifying processing, supporting advancements in EUV lithography and addressing the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.

Persimmon Technologies

Series B in 2014
Persimmon Technologies Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes atmospheric and vacuum robotics, vacuum modules, and automation systems in the United States. The company operates as a sales representative for Nidec Sankyo Corporation's atmospheric robotic products in the United States. It serves semiconductor, data storage, LED, OLED, solar, and flat panel display equipment markets. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Wakefield, Massachusetts. As of March 31, 2017, Persimmon Technologies Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Inpria

Venture Round in 2014
Inpria Corporation, founded in 2007 and based in Corvallis, Oregon, specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of EUV metal oxide photoresists. The company is recognized as a pioneer in extending semiconductor lithography by utilizing inorganic photoresists and thin films for nanoscale patterning. Inpria’s innovative photo-condensed molecular oxides allow for the direct deposition of atomically smooth and dense metal oxide films from a solution, which can be photopatterned. This technology enhances performance while simplifying processing, supporting advancements in EUV lithography and addressing the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.

Halation Photonics

Series A in 2012
Halation Photonics Co., Ltd, founded in 2007 and based in Suzhou, China, specializes in the development and commercialization of Multi-stable Liquid Crystal (MSLC) devices and related system solutions. The company has established a strong presence in the photonics and display industries by effectively integrating MSLC technology into various applications, such as e-books and electronic shelf labels (ESL). Halation's innovative products, which include LCDs that maintain displayed content without power, cater to the growing demand for energy-efficient display solutions. The firm possesses over 100 patents, including more than 60 invention patents and several proprietary rights, underscoring its commitment to research and development. Halation also offers integrated technical services for new LCDs and customized development of display devices, E-shutters, and privacy modules, thereby supporting a wide range of applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. By collaborating with top-tier suppliers and customers, Halation has built a stable industrial chain that enhances its ability to meet the increasing market demand for advanced liquid crystal technologies.

iosil Energy

Private Equity Round in 2012
Iosil Energy Corporation, founded in 2007 and based in Groveport, Ohio, specializes in the production of high-purity solar grade polysilicon, a critical raw material for solar cells. The company utilizes waste material generated from wafer sawing operations, known as "kerf," to manufacture its polysilicon, thereby reducing costs and promoting sustainability in the solar industry. With research and development facilities located at the National Institute for Nanotechnology in Edmonton, Alberta, Iosil Energy has demonstrated its capability to produce this essential material efficiently while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional polysilicon production methods.

Semprius

Series C in 2011
Semprius, Inc. is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy for utility, commercial, and government applications in sunny and arid regions globally. The company utilizes a proprietary micro-transfer printing technology that enhances the performance and reliability of its solar modules while ensuring low production costs and scalability for high-volume output. In addition to its solar offerings, Semprius licenses its micro-transfer printing technology for various non-solar applications, including flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors, which require lightweight and thin form factors. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius aims to make solar power generation more economically viable and supports diverse technology applications through its innovative solutions.

BT Imaging

Series A in 2010
BT Imaging is the market leader for electrical-inspection equipment used in the manufacturing of silicon blocks, silicon solar wafers and silicon solar cells.

Adesto Technologies

Venture Round in 2010
Adesto Technologies specializes in the development of innovative, application-specific semiconductors and embedded systems that are integral to Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices. The company offers a diverse range of semiconductor and embedded technologies tailored for connected IoT devices across various sectors, including industrial, consumer, communications, and medical applications. Their products enhance the efficiency, reliability, and security of IoT systems while reducing costs for customers. Adesto's extensive portfolio includes IoT edge servers, routers, network nodes, communication modules, and various types of memory technologies, delivered as discrete products, application-specific integrated circuits, or integrated systems. The company also provides software, development kits, and tools that facilitate faster market entry for clients. With a strong focus on ultralow-power, embedded, non-volatile memory technology, Adesto enables seamless data access and intelligent control in connected environments, supporting a wide range of applications from smart utility meters and wearable devices to home automation and fleet management systems.

Translarity

Series B in 2009
Translarity is an innovator in the semiconductor wafer test industry, focused on the advanced probe card market. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Translarity brings a disruptive change to the world of semiconductor test by offering a full-wafer test with low cost, high performance, and short cycle time. Translarity acquired BucklingBeam in 2017 to expand its offerings and deliver a full suite of probe card solutions, including full probe cards and vertical probe head solutions. Combined with the company’s advanced Space Translator™ space transformer technology, the company addresses the rapid state of acceleration in probe technologies. Translarity’s proven management team, backed by strong financial investors, recruited a dynamic team of top industry talent to address the unmet challenges in building the Wafer Translator™ technology. In creating the Translarity solution, the team developed a fertile innovation pipeline and a strong IP portfolio, with more than 45 patents already issued and more than 50 filed.

Semprius

Series B in 2009
Semprius, Inc. is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy for utility, commercial, and government applications in sunny and arid regions globally. The company utilizes a proprietary micro-transfer printing technology that enhances the performance and reliability of its solar modules while ensuring low production costs and scalability for high-volume output. In addition to its solar offerings, Semprius licenses its micro-transfer printing technology for various non-solar applications, including flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors, which require lightweight and thin form factors. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius aims to make solar power generation more economically viable and supports diverse technology applications through its innovative solutions.

Adesto Technologies

Series A in 2008
Adesto Technologies specializes in the development of innovative, application-specific semiconductors and embedded systems that are integral to Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices. The company offers a diverse range of semiconductor and embedded technologies tailored for connected IoT devices across various sectors, including industrial, consumer, communications, and medical applications. Their products enhance the efficiency, reliability, and security of IoT systems while reducing costs for customers. Adesto's extensive portfolio includes IoT edge servers, routers, network nodes, communication modules, and various types of memory technologies, delivered as discrete products, application-specific integrated circuits, or integrated systems. The company also provides software, development kits, and tools that facilitate faster market entry for clients. With a strong focus on ultralow-power, embedded, non-volatile memory technology, Adesto enables seamless data access and intelligent control in connected environments, supporting a wide range of applications from smart utility meters and wearable devices to home automation and fleet management systems.

Plextronics

Venture Round in 2007
Plextronics specializes in printed electronics. The company's focus is on organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays and lighting, specifically conductive inks and associated process technologies. Plextronic's technology will enable the mass production of these printed devices and therefore lower the cost.

Semprius

Series A in 2007
Semprius, Inc. is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy for utility, commercial, and government applications in sunny and arid regions globally. The company utilizes a proprietary micro-transfer printing technology that enhances the performance and reliability of its solar modules while ensuring low production costs and scalability for high-volume output. In addition to its solar offerings, Semprius licenses its micro-transfer printing technology for various non-solar applications, including flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors, which require lightweight and thin form factors. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius aims to make solar power generation more economically viable and supports diverse technology applications through its innovative solutions.

Solaicx

Series C in 2007
Solaicx, manufactures and sells mono-crystalline silicon ingots and wafers. It serves solar cell and module manufacturers in the photovoltaic industry. Solaicx, was founded in 2002 and is based in Santa Clara, California with a production facility in Portland, Oregon.

Solaicx

Venture Round in 2006
Solaicx, manufactures and sells mono-crystalline silicon ingots and wafers. It serves solar cell and module manufacturers in the photovoltaic industry. Solaicx, was founded in 2002 and is based in Santa Clara, California with a production facility in Portland, Oregon.

Grandis

Venture Round in 2005
Grandis is the pioneer in developing and licensing innovative non-volatile memory solutions derived from cutting-edge research in spintronics. Its mission is to enable revolutionary products through application of the electron's spin to store, manipulate and transmit information.

Grandis

Series A in 2003
Grandis is the pioneer in developing and licensing innovative non-volatile memory solutions derived from cutting-edge research in spintronics. Its mission is to enable revolutionary products through application of the electron's spin to store, manipulate and transmit information.