Silicon Catalyst Ventures

Silicon Catalyst Ventures (SCV) is an extension of Silicon Catalyst, the world’s only incubator and accelerator dedicated exclusively to semiconductor and hardtech startups. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, SCV focuses on funding and fostering early-stage semiconductor companies developing innovations in photonics, MEMS, sensors, IP, materials, quantum technologies, and life sciences. The fund leverages a rigorous two-year incubation program that de-risks startups through technical mentoring, access to in-kind services, and strategic partnerships.

Silicon Catalyst’s incubation ecosystem provides startups with millions of dollars in in-kind goods and services from industry leaders such as TSMC, Synopsys, Arm, and STMicroelectronics, including EDA tools, IP, prototyping, and testing. The incubator has engaged with more than 1,500 semiconductor startups worldwide, admitted over 150 companies, and nurtures them through a customized 24-month program featuring a semiconductor-focused curriculum and global networking events. SCV has already made over 30 investments in portfolio companies, supporting their growth from seed to Series A and beyond.

The venture fund’s leadership team includes industry veterans such as Dr. Shih-Wei Sun (former CEO of UMC), Laura Swan (General Partner), Kai Chen (General Partner), and Julian Lee (Managing Director). SCV primarily invests in startups admitted to the Silicon Catalyst incubator, providing investors unique access to thoroughly vetted companies. The fund targets early-stage semiconductor startups in North America, Europe (including the UK and EU), and Israel, aiming to drive innovation in areas like AI, high-performance computing, IoT, wireless communications, and biomedical devices.