InveStar Capital

InveStar Capital, Inc., founded in 1996, is a venture capital firm with offices in the United States and Taiwan, focusing on investments in semiconductors, communications and networking, and internet infrastructure sectors. The firm manages several funds totaling over $500 million and has built a diverse portfolio of more than 100 companies, with 73% located in the United States and 27% in Taiwan. InveStar aims to expand its investment targets to include companies in mainland China and the broader Pacific Rim. The firm is dedicated to bridging technologies between the West and East by connecting its portfolio companies with investors and strategic partners across Asia. InveStar emphasizes integrity, dedication to service, and fairness, while its investment philosophy centers on identifying visionary entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and strong commitment. Beyond providing venture capital, InveStar actively engages in offering strategic advice and sharing management expertise and business connections with its portfolio companies.

Kenneth Tai

Chairman and Managing Partner

Richard Tai

General Partner

35 past transactions

Neurable

Convertible Note in 2023
Neurable Inc. is a neurotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing artificial intelligence software that translates brain activity into actionable insights, allowing users to control software and devices solely with their thoughts. Neurable's technology facilitates various applications, including gaming, operating toys, and driving vehicles, as well as enhancing experiences in virtual and augmented reality. By leveraging patented signal processing methods and a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience, biology, statistics, and machine learning, Neurable aims to create high-performance brain-computer interfaces that are accessible and user-friendly.

Jasper Display

Venture Round in 2019
Jasper Display is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in the design and development of Spatial Light Modulators (SLM) and CMOS backplanes for LCoS and μLED technologies. The company focuses on creating innovative solutions that support color-sequential single-microdisplays operating at full HD resolution and high frame rates. By providing essential backplane and driver platforms, Jasper Display enables its partners to develop comprehensive display hardware and software systems, facilitating the realization of their product objectives. The company's offerings effectively bridge the gap between electronic components and visual light displays, positioning it as a key player in the display technology industry.

Alchip Technologies

Venture Round in 2010
Alchip Technologies, Limited is a company that specializes in silicon design and manufacturing solutions, particularly for application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Alchip offers a range of services including SoC design, production, intellectual property solutions, and multi-project wafer services. Its products are utilized in various applications such as networking, storage, computing devices, HDTVs, mobile phones, digital cameras, entertainment systems, and medical equipment. The company operates globally, with significant revenue generated from the United States, and maintains a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable services that meet the complex demands of its clients, ensuring timely production and successful product launches.

MEMSIC

Series D in 2007
MEMSIC, Inc. is a semiconductor company that develops and manufactures micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and associated products, primarily focusing on integrated sensor solutions. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, MEMSIC specializes in accelerometers and magnetic sensors, which are utilized in motion and direction sensing applications across various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation. The company is recognized as a pioneer in integrating MEMS technology with mixed signal processing onto a single chip, enhancing the performance and functionality of its sensors. MEMSIC's product offerings include MEMS-based flow sensors, digital compass capabilities for mobile applications, and inertial systems designed for diverse environments such as avionics and agricultural vehicles. Furthermore, MEMSIC engages in the development of multi-sensor and micro-controller unit integrated systems to cater to consumer, industrial, and automotive markets. The company distributes its products through a combination of direct sales, systems integrators, and various sales representatives globally.

Kilopass

Series B in 2005
Kilopass Technology Inc. specializes in developing and marketing advanced embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) technology, utilizing standard logic CMOS processes. The company is a leader in high-density logic NVM solutions, designed for system-on-chip (SoC) applications, which offer reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Kilopass's flagship product, Extra Permanent Memory (XPM), serves various purposes including electrically field-programmable firmware storage, security identification, analog circuit calibration, yield enhancement, and integrated circuit configuration. This technology is particularly advantageous for the semiconductor industry, addressing long-standing challenges in NVM integration across diverse markets and applications. Kilopass's products are compatible with advanced Customer Owned Tooling and Application Specific Integrated Circuit markets, and they are tailored for leading foundries and process geometries, providing significant design opportunities and cost savings for manufacturers.

Alchip Technologies

Series C in 2004
Alchip Technologies, Limited is a company that specializes in silicon design and manufacturing solutions, particularly for application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Alchip offers a range of services including SoC design, production, intellectual property solutions, and multi-project wafer services. Its products are utilized in various applications such as networking, storage, computing devices, HDTVs, mobile phones, digital cameras, entertainment systems, and medical equipment. The company operates globally, with significant revenue generated from the United States, and maintains a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable services that meet the complex demands of its clients, ensuring timely production and successful product launches.

Fangtek

Series B in 2004
Shanghai Fangtek Electronics Co., Ltd. is an integrated circuit design company that specializes in the development and marketing of analog and mixed-signal power management integrated circuits. Founded in 2003 and based in Shanghai, with an additional office in Shenzhen, Fangtek's product offerings include audio power amplifiers, LED drivers, SIM card controllers, analog switches, reset integrated circuits, charger protection products, and voltage regulators. These products cater to various applications in communications, computing, and consumer electronics, including mobile phones, audio devices, and lighting systems. Fangtek is committed to delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions, leveraging its expertise in power device technologies and mixed-signal design to serve industries focused on voice, light, and electrical management.

Advanced Analogic Technologies

Venture Round in 2004
Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated (AATI), or AnalogicTech, develops advanced semiconductor system solutions that play a key role in the continuing evolution of feature-rich, energy efficient electronic devices. The company focuses on addressing the application-specific power management needs of consumer devices such as mobile handsets, digital cameras, tablets, notebooks, TV and LCD displays, as well as devices in a broad range of industrial, medical and telecom applications. AATI also licenses device, process, package, and application-related technologies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, AATI has design centers in Santa Clara and Shanghai, and Asia-based operations and logistics.

Kilopass

Series A in 2004
Kilopass Technology Inc. specializes in developing and marketing advanced embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) technology, utilizing standard logic CMOS processes. The company is a leader in high-density logic NVM solutions, designed for system-on-chip (SoC) applications, which offer reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Kilopass's flagship product, Extra Permanent Memory (XPM), serves various purposes including electrically field-programmable firmware storage, security identification, analog circuit calibration, yield enhancement, and integrated circuit configuration. This technology is particularly advantageous for the semiconductor industry, addressing long-standing challenges in NVM integration across diverse markets and applications. Kilopass's products are compatible with advanced Customer Owned Tooling and Application Specific Integrated Circuit markets, and they are tailored for leading foundries and process geometries, providing significant design opportunities and cost savings for manufacturers.

Fangtek

Series A in 2003
Shanghai Fangtek Electronics Co., Ltd. is an integrated circuit design company that specializes in the development and marketing of analog and mixed-signal power management integrated circuits. Founded in 2003 and based in Shanghai, with an additional office in Shenzhen, Fangtek's product offerings include audio power amplifiers, LED drivers, SIM card controllers, analog switches, reset integrated circuits, charger protection products, and voltage regulators. These products cater to various applications in communications, computing, and consumer electronics, including mobile phones, audio devices, and lighting systems. Fangtek is committed to delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions, leveraging its expertise in power device technologies and mixed-signal design to serve industries focused on voice, light, and electrical management.

Monolithic Power Systems

Series D in 2002
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. is a semiconductor company based in Kirkland, Washington, specializing in integrated power management solutions for various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and communications. Founded in 1997, the company designs and markets direct current (DC) to DC integrated circuits that efficiently convert and control voltages for a wide range of electronic devices, such as portable electronics, computers, and medical equipment. Additionally, it provides lighting control integrated circuits for LCD backlighting applications in monitors and televisions. Monolithic Power Systems utilizes a fabless manufacturing model, collaborating with third-party foundries to leverage its proprietary fabrication processes. The company's expertise in system-level design and analog technology enables it to work closely with customers, identifying new product opportunities and enhancing energy efficiency in end systems. It sells its products through distributors and directly to original equipment manufacturers and design manufacturers across multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.

IP Unity

Series D in 2002
IP Unity delivers a carrier grade services platform for enhanced voice and telephony applications over ATM, TDM and VoIP Networks. The company's media servers, applications servers, enhanced service applications, and application partners allow customers to quickly and cost effectively offer new services associated with next generation networks while protecting their investment in legacy systems.

Sonics

Series C in 2002
Sonics is a leading provider of network-on-chip (NoC) technology, specializing in intelligent on-chip communications solutions for various applications, including home entertainment, wireless networking, and mobile devices. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of silicon-proven intellectual property (IP) that addresses the memory bottlenecks and data flow challenges associated with complex, high-speed system-on-chip (SoC) designs. By enabling heterogeneous, multi-core SoC architectures, Sonics integrates essential subsystems, such as security, power, and memory, to deliver high performance and low power consumption. Its innovative technology has facilitated the shipment of over 750 million units globally, positioning Sonics as a key player in the embedded market.

Zona

Venture Round in 2001
Zona, Inc., delivers a complete network solution to support Massive Multi-Player Online Games (MMOG) throughout the entire product development cycle of a game -- from conception, all the way through the full life of a game. Founded in August 2000, the company is applying their unique solution called Terazona(R) to support tens of thousands of simultaneous MMOG players in a seamless, fault-tolerant universe of gameplay. Unlike many legacy systems of today, Terazona(R) will allow developers to focus more resources on game design to enhance player experience, spend less time and money on server and infrastructure issues, and significantly shorten a game's time to market. Zona, Inc., is a privately held company based in Redwood City. In addition to the U.S., the company is actively introducing their complete solution for MMOG to Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan through Zona's foreign offices. Zona, Inc., also has secured Tools & Middleware licenses from Microsoft's Xbox and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s PlayStation(R) 2.

MEMSIC

Series B in 2001
MEMSIC, Inc. is a semiconductor company that develops and manufactures micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and associated products, primarily focusing on integrated sensor solutions. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, MEMSIC specializes in accelerometers and magnetic sensors, which are utilized in motion and direction sensing applications across various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation. The company is recognized as a pioneer in integrating MEMS technology with mixed signal processing onto a single chip, enhancing the performance and functionality of its sensors. MEMSIC's product offerings include MEMS-based flow sensors, digital compass capabilities for mobile applications, and inertial systems designed for diverse environments such as avionics and agricultural vehicles. Furthermore, MEMSIC engages in the development of multi-sensor and micro-controller unit integrated systems to cater to consumer, industrial, and automotive markets. The company distributes its products through a combination of direct sales, systems integrators, and various sales representatives globally.

Y Media

Series B in 2001
Y Media Corporation uses semiconductor-imaging expertise to enable the impact of pictures to be embedded into any application. Y Media's multi-media device portfolio includes high-density image sensors ideal for high-resolution digital still cameras and video applications like HDTV, as well as a line of highly integrated image sensors specifically designed to make possible image communications in mobile consumer electronics. Delivering portable vision that flow easily from one medium to another, Y Media gives OEMs the opportunity to lower system-level costs, expand market share, and add key product differentiators.

RapidStream

Series C in 2001
RapidStream specializes in providing advanced cybersecurity solutions through its patent-pending RapidCore technology, which integrates virtual private network (VPN) and firewall functionalities. The company offers ASIC-based appliances designed for high performance and security, catering to service providers, data centers, and enterprises that demand robust interoperability and scalability. Additionally, RapidStream's product lineup includes the Firebox Vclass series of firewall and VPN appliances, further enhancing its portfolio in the cybersecurity market.

Lara Networks

Series B in 2000
Lara Networks is a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the design, development, and marketing of memory-intensive application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored for the networking and communications sectors. The company focuses on creating silicon-based packet processing solutions aimed at enhancing wide area network (WAN) infrastructure equipment. Additionally, Lara Networks provides network search engines that facilitate efficient data processing within network systems.

MEMSIC

Series A in 2000
MEMSIC, Inc. is a semiconductor company that develops and manufactures micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and associated products, primarily focusing on integrated sensor solutions. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, MEMSIC specializes in accelerometers and magnetic sensors, which are utilized in motion and direction sensing applications across various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation. The company is recognized as a pioneer in integrating MEMS technology with mixed signal processing onto a single chip, enhancing the performance and functionality of its sensors. MEMSIC's product offerings include MEMS-based flow sensors, digital compass capabilities for mobile applications, and inertial systems designed for diverse environments such as avionics and agricultural vehicles. Furthermore, MEMSIC engages in the development of multi-sensor and micro-controller unit integrated systems to cater to consumer, industrial, and automotive markets. The company distributes its products through a combination of direct sales, systems integrators, and various sales representatives globally.

Portal Wave

Series B in 2000
Portal Wave, founded in 1999, specializes in developing enterprise application portal software designed for e-business. The company’s technology platform enables businesses to integrate various enterprise applications over the internet, facilitating seamless management of business-to-business transactions. This includes handling critical operations such as sales, customer orders, shipping, billing, supply chain management, and inventory. Recognizing the need for a flexible, scalable, and extensible solution, Portal Wave aims to support companies in adapting to the evolving landscape of the Internet while ensuring cohesive integration of their business processes.

Lightspeed Semiconductor

Venture Round in 2000
LightSpeed Semiconductor provides time-to-market, yield, manufacturability, and development expense advantages over cell implementation.

Lightspeed Trading

Private Equity Round in 2000
Lightspeed Trading provides professional traders with advanced online trading tools, including its proprietary order execution system, Lightspeed Trader. The company specializes in delivering efficient equity and option order execution, supported by real-time risk and margin management tools, market data scanners, and a high-frequency equity direct market access infrastructure. Clients benefit from a flexible combination of trading products, as Lightspeed offers access to ten certified third-party trading platforms in addition to its own offerings. The firm caters to a range of clients, including professional traders, funds, and institutions, by providing a comprehensive suite of technology, execution, and clearing services. With offices in New York and Chicago, Lightspeed Trading ensures that clients receive a customized experience that balances advanced technology with dedicated service.

Empowered Networks

Series C in 2000
Empowered Networks specializes in providing IT consulting services and network monitoring solutions, focusing on optimizing network management, security, and compliance for large enterprises. The company assists clients in selecting, deploying, and operating technologies that enhance the agility, visibility, and reliability of applications and networks, ultimately driving positive business outcomes. Additionally, Empowered Networks is known for developing advanced Voice-over-IP (VoIP) switching systems tailored for carriers and communication service providers. Their flagship USX1000 system integrates seamlessly with existing Intelligent Network services, facilitating the migration of voice traffic to modern IP infrastructures. Through its innovative solutions, Empowered Networks aims to deliver dependable services that add value to its clients' operations.

Kinzan.com

Venture Round in 1999
Kinzan is a prominent provider of e-business platforms that enables organizations to enhance their brand and online presence. The company offers a comprehensive, outsourced solution that allows franchises, associations, and corporations to deploy extensive networks of e-commerce enabled websites efficiently and affordably. Kinzan's platform includes Siteman™, which provides web development applications and services, along with necessary infrastructure and hosting solutions. It also offers customization services and robust customer support. This versatile platform supports the creation and management of independent websites by members, affiliates, and customers, ensuring a consistent yet localized user experience across the network.

Empowered Networks

Series B in 1999
Empowered Networks specializes in providing IT consulting services and network monitoring solutions, focusing on optimizing network management, security, and compliance for large enterprises. The company assists clients in selecting, deploying, and operating technologies that enhance the agility, visibility, and reliability of applications and networks, ultimately driving positive business outcomes. Additionally, Empowered Networks is known for developing advanced Voice-over-IP (VoIP) switching systems tailored for carriers and communication service providers. Their flagship USX1000 system integrates seamlessly with existing Intelligent Network services, facilitating the migration of voice traffic to modern IP infrastructures. Through its innovative solutions, Empowered Networks aims to deliver dependable services that add value to its clients' operations.

Lara Networks

Series B in 1999
Lara Networks is a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the design, development, and marketing of memory-intensive application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored for the networking and communications sectors. The company focuses on creating silicon-based packet processing solutions aimed at enhancing wide area network (WAN) infrastructure equipment. Additionally, Lara Networks provides network search engines that facilitate efficient data processing within network systems.

Ubicom

Series B in 1999
Ubicom specializes in developing communications and media processor (CMP) and software platforms tailored for real-time interactive applications and multimedia content delivery in the digital home. The company offers optimized system-level solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supporting a variety of products such as wireless routers, access points, VoIP gateways, streaming media devices, and print servers. Ubicom's advanced multithreaded processor design, along with its real-time operating system and application-level solutions, ensures a high-quality user experience characterized by ease of use. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Ubicom is a privately held, venture-backed company.

Lara Networks

Series A in 1999
Lara Networks is a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the design, development, and marketing of memory-intensive application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored for the networking and communications sectors. The company focuses on creating silicon-based packet processing solutions aimed at enhancing wide area network (WAN) infrastructure equipment. Additionally, Lara Networks provides network search engines that facilitate efficient data processing within network systems.

Empowered Networks

Series A in 1999
Empowered Networks specializes in providing IT consulting services and network monitoring solutions, focusing on optimizing network management, security, and compliance for large enterprises. The company assists clients in selecting, deploying, and operating technologies that enhance the agility, visibility, and reliability of applications and networks, ultimately driving positive business outcomes. Additionally, Empowered Networks is known for developing advanced Voice-over-IP (VoIP) switching systems tailored for carriers and communication service providers. Their flagship USX1000 system integrates seamlessly with existing Intelligent Network services, facilitating the migration of voice traffic to modern IP infrastructures. Through its innovative solutions, Empowered Networks aims to deliver dependable services that add value to its clients' operations.

RapidStream

Series B in 1999
RapidStream specializes in providing advanced cybersecurity solutions through its patent-pending RapidCore technology, which integrates virtual private network (VPN) and firewall functionalities. The company offers ASIC-based appliances designed for high performance and security, catering to service providers, data centers, and enterprises that demand robust interoperability and scalability. Additionally, RapidStream's product lineup includes the Firebox Vclass series of firewall and VPN appliances, further enhancing its portfolio in the cybersecurity market.

Sirf Technology

Venture Round in 1998
SiRF Technology specializes in the development of semiconductor and software products that provide location awareness solutions. The company focuses on creating global positioning systems designed to integrate "location intelligence" into various consumer products. Its offerings include GPS semiconductors and tailored software that simplifies the complexities of GPS technology for manufacturers. This enables product developers to design and market affordable GPS-enabled devices efficiently, enhancing user experiences across a wide range of applications.

Tropian

Series A in 1998
Tropian, Inc. develops and provides multimode radio frequency integrated circuits and solutions for wireless devices. The company offers Timestar radio frequency integrated circuit solutions for quad-band cellular handsets; Codestar radio transceivers; and Multistar transceivers. It serves wireless device manufacturers. Tropian, Inc. was formerly known as Premier R.F., Inc.

CopperCom

Series A in 1998
CopperCom specializes in developing next-generation end office solutions aimed at creating a unified network that supports both voice and data services. The company offers software-based switching solutions, known as softswitches, which are designed for independent operating companies, competitive local exchange carriers, and Internet service providers. Its call control server facilitates the decoupling of call processing from switching, enabling the delivery of advanced features over various network transport protocols. Through its innovative technology, CopperCom enhances the capability of service providers to offer services such as voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Sirf Technology

Venture Round in 1997
SiRF Technology specializes in the development of semiconductor and software products that provide location awareness solutions. The company focuses on creating global positioning systems designed to integrate "location intelligence" into various consumer products. Its offerings include GPS semiconductors and tailored software that simplifies the complexities of GPS technology for manufacturers. This enables product developers to design and market affordable GPS-enabled devices efficiently, enhancing user experiences across a wide range of applications.

Chief Telecom

Series A in 1996
Chief Telecom Inc. is a telecommunications service provider based in Taipei City, Taiwan, offering a broad range of solutions both domestically and internationally. The company specializes in Internet Data Center (IDC) services, which include space, inter-connection, and managed services, as well as value-added offerings like IT security and backup solutions. Chief Telecom also provides enterprise networking solutions, such as leased lines and VPN services, along with Internet access and cloud exchange services. Its portfolio further includes wholesale and retail voice services, digital content solutions, and tailored offerings for various industries, including optoelectronics and e-commerce. Established in 1991, Chief Telecom is a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., and it addresses customer inquiries through multiple channels, including phone and online platforms.
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