Investing in Compound Semiconductors
Fueling growth in semiconductor innovation and technology.
About Compound Semi Angels - Investment thesis
Compound Semiconductor Cluster
The Compound Semiconductor Cluster in South Wales (CS Connected - www.csconnected.com) has grown rapidly over the last 10 years since inception and is recognised globally as the first fully end to end ecosystem for compound semiconductors, spanning wafer and chip production, world class equipment manufacturing and chip packaging, all across a wide range of applications. It also has two world class R,D & I fully equipped clean room complexes at Cardiff University (Institute for Compound Semiconductors ICS) and Swansea University (Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials CISM), with total investment of close to £200million. These facilities host a full suite of industry leading process tools with capability up to 200mm wafer size, allowing seamless transfer of processes developed within these entities to be productionised and commercialised . Additionally, the UK Government Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is located at the heart of the Cluster, providing support for testing and prototyping of advanced components and systems. Finally, a new design centre, Novomorphic has been established offering advanced component, chip and system design using industry leading design tools.
Operational model
This world class ecosystem is in a perfect position to catalyse and host the development of a wide range of new processes, devices, and systems and thereby create a range of new companies which can flourish in a highly cost effective environment. A number of early stage companies are already taking advantage of this globally relevant ecosystem to develop their own products and services, and Compound Semi Angels are working closely with a number of these companies, providing early stage funding (alongside Development Bank of Wales Angel Co Invest fund DBW-AIF), and other strategic advice, consultancy and mentorship. For each investment made by the CS Angel Syndicate, DBW-AIF will match invest on a £ for £ basis, up to maximum of £350K (total investment £700K).
Investment opportunities
In addition to investing in early stage companies , Compound Semi Angels are seeking to fund start up companies emerging from the Compound Semi Cluster, working closely with CS Connected (www.csconnected.com) and the various other entities within the CS ecosystem.
Investments to date
Finchetto
Finchetto
Finchetto (www.finchetto.com) has developed the worlds first all optical network switch potentially saving over 20% of hyperscale datacentre power consumption, in addition to reducing latency by over 40x and increasing switching speeds to provide virtually unlimited bandwidth.
Kubos
Finchetto
Kubos (www.kubos-semi.co.uk) have developed a new form of GaN which allows much higher efficiency of light emission (particularly in the red portion of the spectrum) which allows for much higher performance micro LED arrays in addition to facilitating much higher switching speeds for optical data transmission within datacentres.
Syndicate leadership
Syndicate leadership
- Dr Drew Nelson OBE, Syndicate lead
- Development Bank of Wales, Angel Co Invest Fund