The semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry in the US is pivotal to modern technology, producing machinery that fabricates microchips powering electronics from smartphones to supercomputers. Companies in this sector range from legacy players to innovative startups, offering products like lithography machines and etching tools. As demand for chips escalates with advancements like 5G, AI, and IoT, manufacturers strive to enhance production efficiency and precision. The industry is evolving towards automation and sustainability, with investments focused on cutting-edge processes. Despite facing global supply chain challenges, the projected growth reflects the enduring need for semiconductor technology in various applications.


In 2024, numerous investors made impactful moves in the US semiconductor equipment manufacturing arena. This list features a mix of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity giants, all poised to drive innovation within this vital sector. The firms span variably sized operations, with some based in California’s tech hubs while others are rooted in traditional investment power centers like New York and Washington, D.C. As these investors engage with companies seeking to reshape the semiconductor landscape, they collectively backed over 500 deals across the industry in their pursuit of technological advancement.


Top 13 Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm invests in early-stage technology companies, with a strong focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Intel Capital provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing space, including funding rounds for IMS Nanofabrication, which specializes in advanced nanofabrication technologies, and wooptix, a company focused on semiconductor metrology equipment. In 2023, Intel Capital participated in a Series B funding round for wooptix, which raised €10M to expand its operations. Additionally, Intel Capital was involved in earlier funding rounds for wooptix, including a Series A round in 2016. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's active role in supporting companies that are integral to the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry.


2. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors. The fund has been active in various technology sectors, including notable transactions such as Rigetti Computing, which focuses on quantum computing, and Finwave Semiconductor, a company that raised $12.2 million in Series A funding to enhance its 5G technology capabilities. This involvement in semiconductor-related ventures highlights the fund's engagement in the tech ecosystem, particularly in areas that intersect with semiconductor manufacturing and applications.


3. Synopsys Inc

  • Website: synopsys.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: synopsys

Synopsys Inc, founded in 1986 and based in Sunnyvale, California, is a prominent electronic design automation (EDA) company that specializes in providing advanced tools and services for silicon design, verification, and software security. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Synopsys operates primarily in the B2B sector, delivering high-quality software solutions to semiconductor companies and technology innovators. The company has been actively involved in strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the semiconductor space. Notable transactions include the acquisition of WinterLogic, which focuses on fault simulation technology, and QuantumWise, known for its atomic-scale modeling software. These acquisitions are part of Synopsys' strategy to bolster its offerings in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing domain, particularly in safety verification and TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design).


4. Samsung Ventures


Samsung Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on providing investment and strategic consulting services to startups and companies across various sectors, including semiconductors, healthcare, fintech, and biotechnology. Notably, Samsung Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions within the semiconductor industry. For instance, they participated in the seed funding round for Exnodes Inc., a computational semiconductor inspection company, which raised $2 million in 2016. Additionally, they have invested in Nearfield Instruments, which raised funds in both Series A and Series B rounds, indicating their ongoing commitment to supporting innovative companies in the semiconductor equipment space. Their investments reflect a strategic interest in enhancing semiconductor technology and manufacturing capabilities.


5. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. With a focus on investment management and advisory services, NEA specializes in supporting startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing not only funding but also strategic guidance to help navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA has been involved in several notable transactions in the semiconductor industry, including a significant Series C investment in Semiconductor Manufacturing International, which raised $630 million in 2003. They also participated in the post-IPO equity round for Synopsys, a leading provider of electronic design automation software, which is crucial for semiconductor design. Additionally, NEA co-led a funding round for SeMI Technologies, a startup focused on machine learning applications in semiconductor technology, showcasing their commitment to innovation in this field.


6. Ametek

  • Website: ametek.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ametek

AMETEK, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The company provides advanced analytical and measurement solutions to various sectors, including aerospace, energy, and medical. Ametek has demonstrated its commitment to the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry through strategic acquisitions. In 2018, Ametek acquired Forza Silicon for $40 million, a company that focuses on semiconductor technology. In 2019, Ametek announced the acquisition of Gatan for $925 million, a company known for its direct detection technology for electron microscopy, which plays a significant role in semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, Ametek's acquisition of CAMECA SAS in 2007, a manufacturer of high-end elemental analysis systems, further emphasizes its involvement in the semiconductor equipment space. These acquisitions reflect Ametek's strategy to enhance its capabilities in advanced measurement and analysis technologies relevant to semiconductor manufacturing.


7. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities in the technology sector. In recent years, they have participated in several funding rounds for startups that are relevant to the semiconductor industry. For instance, they were involved in the funding of Astrus, a startup specializing in analog EDA-IA, which raised $2.4 million to recruit additional engineers. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Wave Photonics, which raised funds for its Pre-Seed round, indicating their engagement with emerging technologies that could intersect with semiconductor equipment manufacturing. Their diverse investment portfolio and focus on technology innovation make them a significant player in the semiconductor landscape.


8. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and sustainability. Notably, Khosla Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Akash Systems, which raised $3.1 million in its seed round for developing power amplifiers for small satellites, utilizing innovative semiconductor technology. This investment highlights Khosla Ventures' interest in the semiconductor industry, particularly in applications that leverage advanced materials for satellite communications. Their diverse portfolio and active engagement in technology-related ventures position them as a relevant player in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape.


9. United States Department of Defense

  • Website: defense.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: deptofdefense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity responsible for national security and military operations, founded in 1949 and based in Washington, D.C. With over 10,000 employees, the DoD plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the nation through military forces and services. In recent years, the DoD has engaged in several significant transactions aimed at enhancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. For instance, it awarded $35 million to GlobalFoundries to accelerate the manufacturing of GaN-on-silicon integrated circuits, reflecting its commitment to advancing semiconductor technology. Additionally, the DoD provided $15 million to Coherent Corp. under the CHIPS Act to support the commercialization of wide- and ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors, further demonstrating its investment in semiconductor innovation. SkyWater Technology also received funding from the DoD to expand its semiconductor processes, highlighting the department's focus on fostering partnerships that enhance semiconductor manufacturing. These transactions illustrate the DoD's strategic interest in the semiconductor sector, particularly in technologies that are vital for national defense and security.


10. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, New York, founded in 1998. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Notably, Goldman Sachs has been actively involved in the semiconductor sector, having participated in significant funding rounds for Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC), raising $1,019,888,922 in Series A in 2001 and $630,000,000 in Series C in 2003. More recently, they facilitated a $2,530,000,000 post-IPO debt transaction for Intel in February 2024, further highlighting their engagement in the semiconductor industry. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing sector, alongside their broader investment activities.


11. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on driving long-term value for its clients, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. In recent years, Carlyle has made significant investments in the industrials and manufacturing sectors, including the acquisition of Atotech for $3.2 billion, which enhances their portfolio in manufacturing technologies. Additionally, their acquisition of a majority stake in Rigaku Corporation, a leading manufacturer of X-ray equipment, and a 70% stake in TESCAN Orsay Holding, a Czech microscope maker, further underscores their strategic focus on companies that provide critical equipment for semiconductor manufacturing. These transactions highlight Carlyle's active role in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape, making them a relevant investor in this field.


12. U.S. Department of Commerce

  • Website: commerce.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1903
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce is a public entity established in 1903, focused on promoting economic growth and opportunity across the United States. It provides essential services such as data collection, industrial standards setting, and trade enforcement to support businesses and communities in their economic development efforts. In 2024, the Department has been actively involved in the semiconductor sector, announcing several significant grants aimed at bolstering the manufacturing capabilities of key players in the industry. Notable transactions include a $6.6 billion grant to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a $1.5 billion planned funding for GlobalFoundries to expand its manufacturing capacity, and a $1.61 billion grant to Texas Instruments. These investments are part of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to enhance the domestic semiconductor supply chain and support critical industries such as automotive, IoT, aerospace, and defense.


13. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies, founded in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company is known for providing advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense. In recent years, Lockheed Martin Ventures has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies in the semiconductor sector. Notably, they participated in a $2.3 million seed funding round for Lux Semiconductors, which focuses on a System-on-Foil semiconductor platform aimed at enhancing chip design efficiency. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has invested in 3D Glass Solutions, a company that is increasing its manufacturing capacity for 3D integrated passives and substrate products, with a significant $30 million Series C financing round. These transactions highlight Lockheed Martin's commitment to supporting innovation in semiconductor technologies, making them a relevant player in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape.



Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Synopsys IncSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)10001+19862
Samsung VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199913
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
AmetekBerwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+19301
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
United States Department of DefenseWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+194953
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
U.S. Department of CommerceWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+190329
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219


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