The semiconductor manufacturing industry in the US drives innovation across technology sectors by fabricating microchips essential for computers, smartphones, and more. Various companies, from large corporations like Intel to smaller startups, operate within this space, focusing on design, production, and research of leading-edge technologies. Currently experiencing growth fueled by the rise of AI, IoT, and 5G, the sector is drawing increased investment and government support. With a focus on advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices, the industry's future looks promising, fostering an ecosystem that pushes technological boundaries and strengthens national security.


This list features 18 notable investors in the semiconductor space, spanning venture capital firms, corporate investors, and government entities. Headquartered primarily in California and Washington D.C., these firms vary in size and specialize in sectors like technology and advanced manufacturing. Founded between 1991 and 2023, these investors collectively made 1,304 deals in 2024, demonstrating their active engagement in funding innovation in semiconductor manufacturing. From Deep Tech Fund's recent market entries to established players like Intel Capital, these investors shape the future of the industry with their financial influence and sector expertise.


Top 18 Semiconductor Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has actively supported the semiconductor manufacturing sector through grants to key industry players. Notable transactions include a $100 million grant to Applied Materials in October 2022, aimed at enhancing semiconductor manufacturing technologies, and multiple grants to Veeco Instruments totaling over $4.8 million in 2011, which also focus on semiconductor equipment and materials. Additionally, the DOE has provided funding to emerging companies like OSEMI and Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, further emphasizing its role in fostering innovation within the semiconductor industry. These investments reflect the DOE's commitment to advancing technologies that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing.


2. 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 specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Intel Capital has been involved in several significant transactions within the semiconductor sector, notably with VeriSilicon Holdings, a company that specializes in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Intel Capital participated in multiple funding rounds for VeriSilicon, including Series A, B, and D rounds, providing substantial capital to support their R&D and engineering operations. This strategic involvement highlights Intel Capital's role in fostering innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry, making them a key player in the tech ecosystem.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in Rigetti Computing, which focuses on manufacturing quantum integrated circuits. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, as quantum computing relies heavily on advanced semiconductor technologies. Other investments, such as in Zinite and Caelum Health, showcase Y Combinator's diverse portfolio, but Rigetti Computing stands out as a relevant connection to semiconductor manufacturing.


4. 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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the semiconductor manufacturing context. For instance, they participated in funding rounds for Ayar Labs, which raised $155 million in Series D and $35 million in Series B, focusing on advanced optical interconnect technology essential for enhancing semiconductor capabilities. Additionally, they invested in Astrus, a startup specializing in analog EDA-IA, which raised $2.4 million in a pre-seed round, indicating their interest in supporting innovative technologies that underpin semiconductor design and manufacturing.


5. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a count of 170 investments in 2024, Sosv provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, they have invested in Impedans, an Irish deep-tech company that has raised multiple funding rounds, including a Series B round of €3.5 million in 2022, which indicates their engagement in sectors that are relevant to semiconductor manufacturing. This involvement highlights Sosv's potential interest in the semiconductor industry, particularly through innovative technologies.


6. 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 corporate investor in the electronic design automation (EDA) sector. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Synopsys specializes in providing advanced tools and services that facilitate silicon design, verification, and software security. Their offerings are tailored for semiconductor companies and technology innovators, enabling them to streamline design processes and improve product quality. Notably, Synopsys has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the semiconductor industry, including the acquisition of Kilopass in January 2018 and Elliptic Technologies in June 2015, both of which enhance their capabilities in semiconductor technology. Additionally, their acquisition of Avant! in December 2001 for approximately $770 million underscores their focus on semiconductor design software, further solidifying their role as a key player in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.


7. 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. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has been involved in significant transactions within the semiconductor manufacturing space, including a $630 million Series C investment in Semiconductor Manufacturing International in 2003, and multiple funding rounds for UNISOC, including a $35.2 million Series C in 2004 and a $20 million Series D in 2006. Additionally, NEA has invested in companies like Synopsys and Atheros Communications, which are integral to the semiconductor ecosystem, further highlighting their engagement in this sector.


8. Samsung Ventures


Samsung Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, located 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 participated in significant funding rounds for semiconductor-related companies, such as VeriSilicon Holdings, which raised funds in a Series A round, and SiFive, which secured $50.6 million in Series C funding. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for companies like Efinix, which develops programmable product platforms with applications in deep learning and compute acceleration, and Atrenta, which focuses on extending solutions in the semiconductor space. These transactions highlight Samsung Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.


9. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It invests in technology startups to enhance U.S. national security, partnering with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in areas such as software and materials sciences. Notably, IQT has invested in companies like Pragmatic Semiconductor, which raised $35 million in Series C funding, and Movellus, which secured $23 million in Series B funding, both of which are involved in semiconductor technology. These investments reflect IQT's commitment to supporting advancements in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which is crucial for national security and technological innovation.


10. 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 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have been involved in funding transactions relevant to the semiconductor manufacturing context, such as Astrus, a startup specializing in analog EDA-IA, and RISC.ai, which focuses on AI solutions that could be applicable in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the technology sector, including semiconductor-related ventures.


11. Nlvc

  • Website: nlvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: northern-light-venture-capital

NLVC is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, and consumer technologies. With a portfolio of over 400 companies, NLVC provides capital, insights, and operational expertise to entrepreneurs. Notably, NLVC has participated in funding rounds for companies like Crossbar, which is developing Resistive RAM (RRAM) technology, indicating their engagement in the semiconductor manufacturing space. They also invested in UNISOC and GigaDevice, both of which are involved in semiconductor technologies, further highlighting their relevance in this industry.


12. 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. It provides military forces and services to deter war and ensure the safety of the nation. In recent years, the DoD has recognized the critical role of semiconductor manufacturing in maintaining technological superiority and national security. It has engaged in various funding initiatives, including a $3 billion grant to Intel in September 2024, aimed at bolstering semiconductor capabilities. Additionally, the DoD awarded $35 million to GlobalFoundries to accelerate the manufacturing of GaN-on-silicon integrated circuits, reflecting its commitment to enhancing domestic semiconductor production. SkyWater Technology has also benefited from the DoD's support, receiving $15 million to expand its partnership with Google and develop open-source semiconductor technologies. These transactions highlight the DoD's strategic investments in the semiconductor sector, aligning with its mission to ensure military readiness and technological advancement.


13. 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 provides funding and venture assistance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. They support entrepreneurs with resources and strategic guidance to help them navigate the challenges of building their businesses. Notably, Khosla Ventures has been involved in various transactions, including a recent investment in Astrus, a startup specializing in analog EDA-IA, which raised $2.4 million in a funding round led by Khosla Ventures. This investment highlights their engagement in the semiconductor manufacturing context, as EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools are crucial for semiconductor design and manufacturing. Additionally, Khosla Ventures has a history of supporting innovative technology companies, which may include those in the semiconductor space.


14. 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. It provides a comprehensive range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of semiconductor manufacturing, Goldman Sachs has been involved in significant transactions, such as raising $1.02 billion in Series A funding for Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) in 2001 and an additional $630 million in Series C funding in 2003. More recently, they facilitated a $2.53 billion post-IPO debt raise for Intel in February 2024, further solidifying their role in the semiconductor industry.


15. Qualcomm Ventures

  • Website: qualcommventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has invested in SiFive, which raised $65.4 million in a Series D funding round in 2019 and $61 million in Series E funding in 2020, both aimed at expanding their semiconductor technology. Additionally, they invested in Innovium, a company that has raised substantial funding to develop networking solutions that leverage advanced silicon technology, further demonstrating Qualcomm Ventures' engagement in the semiconductor manufacturing space.


16. Fortune Ventures

  • Website: fortunevc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: fortune-ventures

Fortune Ventures, founded in 2000 and based in Maple Valley, Washington, is a corporate venture capital firm specializing in investment management and consulting services across various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Notably, they participated in the Series B funding of Floadia Corporation, a developer of embedded flash memory IP, which is crucial for semiconductor applications in automotive, IoT devices, and mobile markets. This investment highlights their engagement in the semiconductor space. Additionally, they have been involved in several seed rounds for companies like Wuxi NCE Power and RadRock Tech, which may also relate to advanced manufacturing technologies. Overall, Fortune Ventures demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative technologies that can impact the semiconductor manufacturing landscape.


17. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is a commercial bank founded in 1983, located in Santa Clara, California. It specializes in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. SVB offers a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, SVB has been involved in several transactions within the semiconductor manufacturing context, such as Ayar Labs, which raised $3 million in debt financing in 2019, and Icera, which secured $12 million in debt financing in 2011. These investments highlight SVB's commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the semiconductor industry, further solidifying its role as a key player in financing innovation in this sector.


18. 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 particularly active in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, announcing significant grants to key industry players. Notably, it provided $6.6 billion to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, $8.5 billion to Intel, and $1.61 billion to Texas Instruments. Additionally, it announced a planned $1.5 billion funding for GlobalFoundries to enhance manufacturing capacity for essential chips across various vital markets, including automotive and defense. These transactions highlight the Department's commitment to bolstering the semiconductor industry in the U.S. through strategic financial support.



Semiconductor Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Synopsys IncSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)10001+19862
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Samsung VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199913
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
NlvcMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-5020055
United States Department of DefenseWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+194953
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018
Fortune VenturesMaple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)11-50200026
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
U.S. Department of CommerceWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+190329


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