Samsung Venture Investment Corporation

Samsung Venture Investment Corporation is the corporate venture arm of Samsung Electronics, founded in 1999 and based in Seoul. It maintains a global presence with activity in innovation hubs such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, London, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Tokyo, and Beijing, and it backs emerging technology startups across Europe, Asia, and North America. The firm sources and invests in technology companies at multiple stages, from early-stage to pre-IPO, focusing on areas including semiconductors, materials, mobile services, internet, software, security, and enterprise solutions, as well as bioengineering and medical tech. Its investment approach targets companies developing AI, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, cybersecurity, 5G, next generation displays, battery technology, digital health, and insurtech, among others, to support shaping future technologies.

Robert Ashcraft

Investment Director

Jaeseok Cha

Investment Director

Russ Chaney

Principal

Myungseok Choi

Investment Director

Jay Chong

Vice President

Past deals in Embedded Software

NeuReality

Series A in 2022
NeuReality is a semiconductor start-up that specializes in designing AI-as-a-service infrastructure to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding AI landscape across cloud, edge, and fog systems. The company develops purpose-built AI-centric architecture, focusing on server-on-chip solutions that reconfigure inference technologies, including computer vision, natural language processing, and recommendation engines. This innovative approach simplifies the implementation of advanced AI functionalities for organizations with limited technical expertise, allowing clients to reduce costs and energy consumption by moving away from traditional CPU-centric models. NeuReality aims to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors, making them more accessible and efficient.

SLAMcore Limited

Series A in 2022
SLAMcore develops simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions for augmented/virtual reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Its technology enables moving robots to localize, navigate, and understand unfamiliar surroundings using visual SLAM, sensor fusion, and event camera SLAM. The company's ETAM 2D and ETAM 3D methods demonstrate real-time, high dynamic range, and resolution intensity for event-based cameras. SLAMcore licenses its algorithms for smart technology like drones and self-driving vehicles.

Karamba Security

Series B in 2021
Karamba Security is an automotive cybersecurity software company that protects connected vehicles by securing their internal control systems. Its solutions harden electronic control units and safeguard telematics, infotainment, and onboard diagnostics from malware and unauthorized code, helping prevent attacks on the vehicle's CAN bus. The software is embedded in devices and operates automatically with negligible performance impact, providing dropper detection and malware prevention without requiring user action. The company serves automakers and Tier-1 suppliers and supports secure over-the-air updates and secure communications while aiding compliance with global cybersecurity regulations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Karamba Security also addresses cybersecurity for a range of connected devices, including Industry 4.0 controllers and IoT endpoints, through vulnerability data management.

Wiliot

Series C in 2021
Wiliot is a technology company that designs wireless chipsets and battery-free smart tags that connect physical products to digital systems. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California, it combines semiconductor hardware with cloud services to bring connectivity to everyday items and packaging. Its platform uses radiofrequency energy harvesting to power IoT stickers, eliminating batteries and enabling lightweight tags that can be deployed across supply chains. The approach allows brands to monitor product location, usage, and replenishment, while gathering data on distribution, sales, usage, and recycling. Through battery-free Bluetooth-enabled tags that integrate with cloud services, Wiliot aims to bridge the digital and physical worlds for consumer goods, logistics, and retail applications.

IRP Systems

Series C in 2021
Founded in 2015, IRP Systems specializes in designing and manufacturing electric motion technology for aviation and industrial robots. The company's flagship product, Hummingbird Motion Systems, offers a proprietary control algorithm and unique motor design, providing an unmatched size-weight-power ratio and high power efficiency.

Luple

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Living an energetic life after having a good sleep is out very fundamental right. Many people, however, with various reasons, do not achieve this right ; some people suffers taking sleeping pills due to insomnia, while others overdose caffeine just to get a little bit of energy. We want to lend a hand to those people who suffers in their daily lives. We want people to have a good sleep, to have a fresh morning, and to have a healthy and happy life with our Digital Therapeutics Device & Solution.

Silvan Innovation Labs

Venture Round in 2019
Silvan Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd. is a technology company based in Bengaluru, India, specializing in home automation and security systems. Founded in 2008, the company has been a pioneer in the residential building market, offering a range of solutions that enhance security and lifestyle management for homeowners and builders. Its product lineup includes entrance management systems, smart security solutions for communities, and custom automation applications for various settings, such as hotels, conference rooms, banks, and schools. Notably, Silvan provides WiFi-enabled wireless security systems, including a wireless video doorbell and a DIY security system. With additional offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Surat, the company aims to deliver innovative and effective automation solutions tailored to the needs of modern living.

AdHawk Microsystems

Series B in 2019
Founded in 2015, AdHawk Microsystems develops eye tracking technology using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), replacing traditional cameras for enhanced speed and power efficiency. Its full-stack solution enables integration into extended reality devices, wearables, and clinical instruments, unlocking insights into human cognition.

Deep Optics

Series B in 2019
Deep Optics Ltd., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of dynamic focal eyeglasses. The company aims to revolutionize the eyewear industry through its innovative optics technology, which utilizes pixelated liquid crystal lenses to adjust the focal distance of glasses in real-time. This technology addresses the needs of individuals with presbyopia and other vision issues, allowing for seamless vision correction without the inconvenience of multiple pairs of glasses. In addition to standard eyeglasses, Deep Optics produces adaptive focus sunglasses, known as 32°N, which represent a significant advancement in eyewear. The company's team comprises optical designers, product designers, and fashion experts, ensuring that their products meet both functional and aesthetic demands in the optical market.

Deep Optics

Venture Round in 2019
Deep Optics Ltd., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of dynamic focal eyeglasses. The company aims to revolutionize the eyewear industry through its innovative optics technology, which utilizes pixelated liquid crystal lenses to adjust the focal distance of glasses in real-time. This technology addresses the needs of individuals with presbyopia and other vision issues, allowing for seamless vision correction without the inconvenience of multiple pairs of glasses. In addition to standard eyeglasses, Deep Optics produces adaptive focus sunglasses, known as 32°N, which represent a significant advancement in eyewear. The company's team comprises optical designers, product designers, and fashion experts, ensuring that their products meet both functional and aesthetic demands in the optical market.

VeriSilicon

Series A in 2018
VeriSilicon, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with an additional office in Plano, Texas, is a semiconductor company specializing in custom silicon solutions and system-on-chip (SoC) turnkey services. It offers a wide range of services, including the design and manufacture of memory chips, and provides licensable digital signal processing cores, Hantro Video IPs, and eDRAM. VeriSilicon caters to diverse industries such as smartphones, media tablets, HDTVs, set-top boxes, and data centers, targeting advanced process technologies like 28nm and FD-SOI. The company's portfolio includes five types of in-house processor IPs and over 1,400 analog and mixed signal IPs and RF IPs, enabling it to deliver comprehensive, customized silicon solutions.

CNEX Labs

Series D in 2018
CNEX Labs develops storage semiconductor and software solutions, specializing in NVMe PCIe SSD controller ASICs that support LightNVM and Open-Channel operation with native NVMoE I/O connectivity. The controllers deliver high performance with low and predictable latency, scalability, and flexibility for software-defined storage, accelerating big data computing and analytics in cloud, hyperscale, and enterprise data centers. The company serves cloud and data center customers and partners with solid-state storage manufacturers to create differentiated storage solutions across form factors such as M.2, U.2, U.3, HHHL, and EDSFF. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Jose, California, CNEX maintains additional offices in Copenhagen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo.

SiFive

Series C in 2018
SiFive, Inc. is a semiconductor company that specializes in designing and manufacturing chips, particularly focusing on RISC-V architecture. Established in 2015 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in locations such as Oregon, Texas, India, Taiwan, and France, SiFive provides a range of products including multi-core application processors, embedded microcontrollers, and system-on-chip solutions tailored for various applications such as IoT and wearables. The company emphasizes the use of open-source technology to enable faster and more cost-effective hardware development. By offering software development kits, toolchains, and customized silicon products, SiFive aims to democratize access to advanced semiconductor solutions, accelerating innovation for businesses of all sizes.

Efinix

Venture Round in 2017
Efinix specializes in programmable silicon solutions. Founded in 2012, the company offers Quantum programmable technology for advanced products in ASIC, ASSP, and FPGA segments. Its products cater to high-volume, low-power, and small form-factor needs, serving applications such as custom logic, compute acceleration, and deep learning.

EarlySense

Series F in 2015
EarlySense Ltd. is a developer of advanced patient monitoring systems tailored for hospitals, healthcare systems, integrated delivery networks, and rehabilitation centers. Founded in 2004 and based in Ramat Gan, Israel, with additional offices in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company specializes in signal-processing technology that enhances patient safety and facilitates early detection of health deterioration. Its flagship product, the EarlySense System, offers continuous monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, and patient motion, allowing clinical teams to manage risks such as falls and pressure ulcers. Additionally, the Central Display Station enables nursing staff to supervise patients effectively, while the contact-free consumer health monitor, known as LIVE, provides users and caregivers with insights into heart health, breathing cycles, and sleep quality. The company's offerings, including EarlySense Live, cater to a variety of healthcare environments and are distributed in Israel, the United States, and Australia. EarlySense has established a strategic partnership with Welch Allyn to further enhance its product capabilities.

CNEX Labs

Series A in 2014
CNEX Labs develops storage semiconductor and software solutions, specializing in NVMe PCIe SSD controller ASICs that support LightNVM and Open-Channel operation with native NVMoE I/O connectivity. The controllers deliver high performance with low and predictable latency, scalability, and flexibility for software-defined storage, accelerating big data computing and analytics in cloud, hyperscale, and enterprise data centers. The company serves cloud and data center customers and partners with solid-state storage manufacturers to create differentiated storage solutions across form factors such as M.2, U.2, U.3, HHHL, and EDSFF. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Jose, California, CNEX maintains additional offices in Copenhagen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo.

EVRYTHNG

Series A in 2014
EVRYTHNG is an Internet of Things platform that connects consumer products to the Web and manages real-time data across the product lifecycle. It offers THNGHUB, a local cloud gateway for multiple smart devices; Consumer Engagement to turn products into owned digital media channels; Brand Protection to authenticate products and leverage real-time data for protection; Inventory Management to track inventory from factory to consumer; Product Registration and Reordering solutions, plus consulting and professional services. Its platform collects and applies real-time data from products and packaging to enable connected devices, direct digital services to end users, and improved supply chains. It serves appliances and electronics, apparel and accessories, consumer packaged goods, food and beverages, health and insurance, lighting, telecommunications, and toys. Founded in 2011 and based in London, with offices in New York and San Francisco.

Carbon Design Systems

Venture Round in 2012
Carbon Design Systems, Inc. is a provider of virtual prototype solutions specifically designed for the development and validation of system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Founded in 2002 and based in Acton, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of products, including Carbon SoC Designer Plus, which facilitates the creation, execution, and analysis of virtual system platforms. Another key offering is Carbon Model Studio, which automates the generation and validation of hardware-accurate software models. Additionally, Carbon Performance Analysis Kits (CPAK) provide pre-built virtual reference platforms for critical performance elements such as processors and memory controllers. The company also supports performance optimization, system validation, and software execution, along with consulting, training, and integration services. Carbon Design Systems caters to systems, semiconductor, and intellectual property companies in sectors like wireless, networking, and consumer electronics, delivering essential tools for architectural analysis and pre-silicon validation.

Tilera

Series D in 2011
Tilera Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company based in San Jose, California, with additional locations in Westborough, Massachusetts, and Beijing, China. Founded in 2004, Tilera specializes in designing multicore embedded processors tailored for networking, digital multimedia, and wireless infrastructure markets. The company's product portfolio includes the TILEPro multicore processor, which is designed to deliver high-performance computing for various embedded applications such as networking, wireless infrastructure, and digital multimedia processing. Additionally, Tilera offers a multicore development environment for programming solutions and TILExpress PCIe production cards.

picoChip

Venture Round in 2010
picoChip specializes in signal processing products designed for wireless telecommunications systems. The company develops multi-core digital signal processors (DSPs) and has a notable portfolio of software-defined radio products that are widely utilized in the industry. Additionally, picoChip is expanding its offerings to include a range of application-specific standard products (ASSPs) that are optimized for both cost and performance, catering to the evolving needs of wireless communication technologies.

LensVector

Series C in 2010
LensVector, Inc. is a developer of advanced optical technologies specializing in solid-state autofocus devices and camera lenses. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company designs miniature lenses for various applications, including mobile phone cameras, Webcams, barcode readers, and video conferencing. LensVector's innovative liquid crystal-based optics enable the shaping, steering, and focusing of light without mechanical movement, allowing manufacturers to incorporate features like autofocus and auto macro functionality without increasing the size or cost of their camera systems. This technology is also applicable in fields such as life sciences and LED illumination, offering versatile solutions for a range of industries.

Teknovus

Venture Round in 2009
Teknovus, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor and software solutions company based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 2002, Teknovus specializes in developing access chips and embedded software for the fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) market. The company provides a range of products, including Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) integrated chips for both central office and customer premises applications, as well as EPON customer premises equipment (ONU) and TDM transport chips for circuit emulation across Ethernet switched networks. Additionally, Teknovus offers evaluation kits to support original equipment manufacturers and service providers, EPON optical line terminal (OLT) solutions with a system-on-a-chip approach, and the TK3401 Intelligent EPON Node Controller, which assists service providers in addressing diverse network topologies and subscriber densities. The company's products are marketed through distributors in the United States, Europe, and China, with additional sales and support centers located in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and San Jose, California.

Ubicom

Series D in 2008
Ubicom is a privately held company based in Sunnyvale, California, specializing in the development of communications and media processor (CMP) and software platforms. The company focuses on addressing the specific needs of real-time interactive applications and multimedia content delivery within the digital home environment. Ubicom offers optimized system-level solutions tailored for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across a diverse range of products, including wireless routers, access points, VoIP gateways, and streaming media devices. Their innovative multithreaded processor design and real-time operating system, combined with application-level solutions, aim to deliver a high-quality user experience characterized by exceptional ease of use.

Teknovus

Series D in 2007
Teknovus, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor and software solutions company based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 2002, Teknovus specializes in developing access chips and embedded software for the fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) market. The company provides a range of products, including Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) integrated chips for both central office and customer premises applications, as well as EPON customer premises equipment (ONU) and TDM transport chips for circuit emulation across Ethernet switched networks. Additionally, Teknovus offers evaluation kits to support original equipment manufacturers and service providers, EPON optical line terminal (OLT) solutions with a system-on-a-chip approach, and the TK3401 Intelligent EPON Node Controller, which assists service providers in addressing diverse network topologies and subscriber densities. The company's products are marketed through distributors in the United States, Europe, and China, with additional sales and support centers located in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and San Jose, California.

picoChip

Series D in 2007
picoChip specializes in signal processing products designed for wireless telecommunications systems. The company develops multi-core digital signal processors (DSPs) and has a notable portfolio of software-defined radio products that are widely utilized in the industry. Additionally, picoChip is expanding its offerings to include a range of application-specific standard products (ASSPs) that are optimized for both cost and performance, catering to the evolving needs of wireless communication technologies.

Pure Digital Technologies

Series F in 2007
Pure Digital Technologies specializes in providing innovative imaging solutions targeted at the mass market, notably through its Flip Video line of digital camcorders. These camcorders are designed for simplicity and ease of use, particularly for Internet video sharing, featuring on-board software that facilitates one-click uploads to various online platforms. The Flip Ultra, a standout model, became the best-selling camcorder on Amazon soon after its launch, capturing a significant share of the camcorder market. It records video at 640x480 resolution and operates on 2 AA batteries, offering a straightforward design without complex features. Users can connect the device directly to a computer via a built-in USB connector, eliminating the need for additional cables. The Flip Ultra is available in different memory sizes, retailing between $150 and $180. In 2009, the company was acquired by Cisco, which ultimately discontinued the Flip line in 2011.

Beceem Communications

Series D in 2007
Beceem Communications is a fabless semiconductor company that focuses on providing innovative solutions for the WiMAX marketplace. It specializes in developing baseband and radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits, along with reference designs and software solutions, aimed at facilitating the integration of 4G technology into various mobile broadband devices. Since its inception, Beceem has established itself as a leader in the industry, being the first to introduce a pre-WiMAX chipset in 2005, followed by the launch of the first Wave 1 and Wave 2 mobile WiMAX chipsets in 2006. Their products support a wide range of end-user devices, including dongles, modems, gateways, mobile routers, and smartphones, contributing to advancements in mobile communications technology.

Sonics

Series D in 2005
Sonics is a leading innovator in network-on-chip (NoC) technology, providing a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent on-chip communication solutions tailored for home entertainment, wireless, networking, and mobile devices. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, the company specializes in streamlining complex, high-speed system-on-chip (SoC) designs by addressing memory bottlenecks and enhancing data flow within embedded systems featuring multiple cores. Sonics' silicon-proven intellectual property enables designers to create heterogeneous, multi-core SoC designs that incorporate essential subsystems for security, power, and memory, ultimately delivering high performance and energy efficiency. With its solutions, Sonics has facilitated the shipment of over 750 million units globally, solidifying its position as a vital contributor to the embedded market.

Teknovus

Series C in 2005
Teknovus, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor and software solutions company based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 2002, Teknovus specializes in developing access chips and embedded software for the fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) market. The company provides a range of products, including Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) integrated chips for both central office and customer premises applications, as well as EPON customer premises equipment (ONU) and TDM transport chips for circuit emulation across Ethernet switched networks. Additionally, Teknovus offers evaluation kits to support original equipment manufacturers and service providers, EPON optical line terminal (OLT) solutions with a system-on-a-chip approach, and the TK3401 Intelligent EPON Node Controller, which assists service providers in addressing diverse network topologies and subscriber densities. The company's products are marketed through distributors in the United States, Europe, and China, with additional sales and support centers located in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and San Jose, California.

MontaVista Software

Venture Round in 2004
MontaVista Software specializes in the commercialization of embedded Linux, providing businesses with high-quality Linux solutions and developer tools tailored for the embedded device market. The company offers Market Specific Distributions (MSDs) that support various applications, including industrial automation, automotive systems, Android devices, portable multimedia, and multicore networking. MontaVista's products are designed to streamline the development process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to bring commercial products to market. With expert support and hardware enablement, MontaVista enhances the capabilities of open-source Linux, contributing to the deployment of over 50 million devices globally that rely on their Linux offerings.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.