DURHAM, N.C. – Semprius, a semiconductor startup, has landed a new, high profile investor.
Applied Ventures, the venture capital operation of Applied Materials, has invested $500,000 in Semprius, which closed on $4.7 million in Series A funding in April.
Applied Materials is a global leader in nanomanufacturing technology.
“This is additional money” beyond the Series A round, a company spokesperson said.
Semprius is developing a new means of printing high-performance semiconductors.
The patented process enables chips to be placed on hard surfaces such as glass, plastic, metal or other semiconductors.
"Semprius’ printing technology is in line with Applied Venture’s investment strategy to stimulate the growth of applications for semiconductors, displays and other product areas,” said J. Christopher Moran, vice president and general manager of Applied Ventures. "We believe Semprius has unique technology that can offer significant performance and cost advantages for many advanced electronic applications.”
Applied Materials is a major player in liquid crystal display manufacturing.
"We are delighted to have Applied Ventures as an investor," said Semprius Chief Executive Officer Joe Carr in a statement. "Because we are developing capabilities suitable to a wide range of applications, relationships with world leaders such as Applied Materials are key to our development and business strategy."
Arch Venture Partners, Intersouth Partners and Illinois Ventures also participated in the A round.
