Participated · Equity · Oct 2023

EdgeCortix develops silicon and software platforms using a patented hardware–software co-design approach to enable energy-efficient, runtime-reconfigurable AI acceleration at the edge. Its technology includes the Dynamic Neural Accelerator® architecture and the MERA software stack, which the company positions for applications across defense, aerospace, smart infrastructure, Industry 4.0, robotics, and telecommunications. EdgeCortix is commercializing next-generation, low-power platforms such as SAKURA-II and the chiplet-based SAKURA-X targeted at Generative and Agentic AI workloads. The company is headquartered in Tokyo and maintains operations in the United States and India. Recent fundraising activity includes an oversubscribed prior round and a subsequent new investment from Axiro Semiconductor and MPower Partners to support further development and commercialization.

Participated · Series B · Jun 2022

Arduino began as a maker of microcontrollers for hobbyists and educators and has expanded into enterprise applications through offerings like Arduino Pro. The company produces microcontroller boards, sensors, and more sophisticated components designed to move customers from prototyping into production runs below 100,000 units. Arduino is ramping up R&D and its go-to-market organization to serve professional customers with higher service expectations and extended component temperature ranges. It is expanding its footprint in the U.S. and Europe, opening offices in Austin and Chicago while keeping most manufacturing in Italy. CEO Fabio Violante says the strategy is based on innovation at all levels and preparing for a different, professional market. Financially, Arduino announced a $22 million extension to last year’s $32 million Series B to support the enterprise push. Arduino is best known for its open-source microcontrollers that have been widely embraced by the developer community. The company offers open-source hardware, software and cloud services that emphasize accessibility and simplicity. Arduino is aiming to expand from hobbyist and education markets into enterprise applications, targeting Gen Z and millennial engineers as they enter the workforce. The company notes many engineers grew up using Arduino boards in STEM programs and are bringing those expectations into the workplace. Arduino has seen off-the-shelf boards increasingly integrated into workplace solutions, and it plans to leverage that familiarity as it broadens its customer base. To support this strategic shift, the company secured new growth funding to accelerate enterprise adoption.

Participated · Equity · Mar 2022

Syntiant provides purpose-built silicon and an edge-optimized data platform and training pipeline to enable always-on deep learning for voice, sensor, audio and image use cases. Its Neural Decision Processors™ and chip solutions combine deep learning with semiconductor design to produce ultra-low-power, high-performance processors for devices from earbuds and wearables to automobiles and other IoT systems. The company offers an end-to-end stack that includes chips, software and training tools to allow edge devices to hear, speak, see and feel. Syntiant plans to accelerate deployment of its third-generation Syntiant Core 3™ architecture and to enhance its software capabilities. Financially, the company raised $55M in the reported financing and has raised more than $100M since its founding in 2017. Leadership is headed by CEO Kurt Busch. Syntiant develops microwatt-power Neural Decision Processors (NDP100 and NDP101) that run deep learning inference for voice and sensor applications. Its NDPs are designed to extend battery life in edge devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, laptops and earbuds. The company reports it has shipped more than one million units of the NDP100 and NDP101 to customers globally. Syntiant positions its technology to deliver high performance at very low power and low cost for improved AI voice‑activation. Financially, the company completed a $35 million Series C to support continued development and growth. Investors named in the round include Sunstone Venture Capital Fund, Seraph Group, Microsoft and Applied Materials. Sunstone, based in Long Beach, previously invested in Syntiant’s Series A and B rounds and participated in this Series C. Syntiant develops analog neural-network semiconductors that enable on-device machine learning for always-on voice, sensor and image tasks in battery-powered devices such as smartphones, watches and speakers. The company combines innovations in deep learning and semiconductor design to expand AI capabilities at the edge with very low power consumption. Syntiant says it will commercialize its neural network technology for battery-powered devices and has expanded its board with the additions of Samir Kumar and Bret Johnsen to deepen guidance. Financially, Syntiant completed a $25 million Series B equity raise that included strategic technology and industrial investors. Participants in the Series B included Sunstone Venture Capital Fund, Seraph Group, Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Robert Bosch, Applied Materials and Motorola. Sunstone had also participated in Syntiant’s Series A less than a year earlier and credited the company’s rapid advancement with increasing the value of its investment. Syntiant develops analog neural-network semiconductors called Neural Decision Processors (NDPs) that perform neural computation locally on edge devices. Its technology seeks to eliminate data-movement penalties to enable faster, lower-power ML inference than traditional CPU, GPU and DSP options. The NDPs use custom analog neural networks optimized at the transistor level to run deep-learning functions. The chips are positioned for voice, sensor and video applications across mobile phones, wearables, smart sensors and drones. Led by CEO Kurt Busch, the company says it will use new funding to further develop and commercialize its technology. The company is based in Irvine, CA.