How many investments has TEL Venture Capital, Inc. made?

TEL Venture Capital, Inc. has 47 tracked investments, 2 of which have exited, including 4 dated in the last 24 months.

What stage does TEL Venture Capital, Inc. invest at?

TEL Venture Capital, Inc. invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.

Where is TEL Venture Capital, Inc. located?

TEL Venture Capital, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, US.

Who does TEL Venture Capital, Inc. co-invest with?

TEL Venture Capital, Inc. most often shares deals with Intel Capital, Anzu Partners, Cisco Investments, among 109 tracked co-investors.

TEL Venture Capital, Inc.

Corporate VC

Fremont · Pre-Seed–Late Stage · 26 people tracked

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Find your way into TEL Venture Capital, Inc.

605 people in our graph share verified history with the TEL Venture Capital, Inc. team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Kay Enjojiunlockedknows Dave Hurley · together at Tokyo Electron Europe (overlapped)

×7knows the team · via Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

knows the team · via Adaptive Surface Technologies, Inc.

×2knows the team · via Sophia University

knows the team · via Unidym

✨ Fox Verdict

Investment thesis

TEL Venture Capital invests in innovative technologies that create synergies with Tokyo Electron's semiconductor and display equipment businesses, as well as adjacent fields and other silicon-processing technologies. It treats portfolio companies as partners, pursuing joint development and collaboration to realize win-win relationships. Beyond financial capital, it supports companies with technical and business development expertise, global business experience, and Tokyo Electron's technology resources and industry network. The firm is particularly interested in companies making ultra-compact sensors and real-time sensors for closed environments (measuring pressure, temperature, gas, flow, humidity, plasma characteristics) that could be integrated into cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and welcomes startups at any stage.

Invests inAI & Machine Learning Cleantech Deep Tech Energy Hardware IoT New Materials Quantum Computing RoboticsSector AgnosticSemiconductors Asia-Pacific Europe Fremont Global Japan United States

Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.

Stage

Pre-Seed–Late Stage

Fremont, US

Instruments

Equity

Last 12 months

1 investment

Tracked investments

Unicorns

Acquisitions

Team · 26 people

from the firm's website & curated

Hidenori Sato· Vice President & General Partner

Joined Tokyo Electron in 1992 as an etch process engineer and later served as a US-market process manager, developing deep expertise in etching equipment, process technology, and 3D integration/packaging. Holds a bachelor's in physical chemistry from Sophia University.

Koki Shirai· President· US

Joined TEL in 1985 and moved to the semiconductor production equipment division in 1990, building partnerships with US customers across marketing and sales roles. Also serves as president of Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings and chairman of Tokyo Electron America. Holds an economics degree from Keio University.

Alan Park· Investment Manager· Korea

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2024 as a researcher in Korea after 7 years at TEL Korea. Has over 20 years of experience with semiconductor equipment, parts, and materials at a major Korean chipmaker; studied mechanical design at Hanyang University.

Brent Elliot· Investment Director· USin

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2021 with 40 years of experience founding, funding, and selling technology companies, mainly in front-end semiconductor capital equipment; holds over 100 US and international patents.

Dave Hurley· Investment Director· Europein

Joined TEL Venture Capital as a Senior Venture Partner in 2023, handling European investments, portfolio management, and startup engagement, and supporting EU Chips Act activities. Previously founded and ran TEL Magnetic Solutions as a university spin-out; holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Trinity College Dublin.

Jacques Berg· Investment Director· Grenoble, France

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2015 with over 30 years in the semiconductor industry. Has been with Tokyo Electron since 1994 in sales, marketing, and business development roles, most recently leading worldwide sales for TEL Solar; has an electronic engineering background.

Koichiro (Kobe) Araki· Investment Director· Japan

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2017, focusing on startups with technical synergies with TEL in Japan and serving as controller. Previously worked in Tokyo Electron's IR and Information Systems divisions; holds a master's in electronic information engineering from Yokohama National University.

Sergey Fedotov· Investment Manager· Silicon Valleyin

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2023 as a Venture Partner performing due diligence and investment execution in the US. Brings 10 years of finance and board experience in advanced displays and materials startups; holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.

Ted Hirose· Investment Director· Silicon Valleyin

Joined TEL in 1997 and moved to TEL Venture Capital (US) in 2007, with 20 years of experience in venture investment, strategic alliances, and new business planning. Based in the Silicon Valley office covering semiconductor process, display technology, new materials, AI, industrial tech, and medical devices.

Tetsuo (Ted) Hirose· Investment Director· Silicon Valley

Joined TEL in 1997 and has been with TEL Venture Capital since 2007, leading US startup scouting, due diligence, investment execution, and portfolio management across semiconductor, display, advanced materials, AI, industrial tech, and med tech.

Todd Mihara· Investment Director· Silicon Valleyin

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2012 and is based in Silicon Valley, focused on innovation through startup collaboration. Has investment experience across Israel, Canada, Japan, and the US, plus over 10 years in semiconductor lithography business planning and sales. Holds a degree from Sophia University.

Tomohiko (Tomo) Niizeki· Investment Manager· Japanin

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2022, covering investments in Japan and technical staff duties. Has over 10 years of academic research experience and worked on high-density plasma HARC etching equipment; holds a Ph.D. in applied physics from Tohoku University.

Tsuyoshi (Todd) Mihara· Investment Director· Silicon Valley

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2012 and invests across Asia and Israel, with venture investment experience in Israel, Canada, Japan, and the US. Has over ten years in semiconductor business planning, sales, and marketing at TEL; holds a B.A. in economics from Sophia University.

Yusaku Yamada· Investment Manager· Japanin

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2024, sourcing startups. Previously worked in Tokyo Electron's business planning division on market analysis, business strategy, and key customer partnerships. Holds a degree from Tsuru University.

Raphaella Ricciardi· Investment Director· United Statesin

Raphaella Ricciardi works on corporate restructuring across the U.K. and international jurisdictions, concentrating on the finance, banking, energy, shipping, and retail industries. Her work has included advising on Avation PLC's bond restructuring and Voyager Aviation Holdings' Chapter 11 cases, acting as plan administrator for the US$1.19 billion China Fishery Group restructuring, and representing CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd. in Bermuda. She holds a J.D. and M.B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and is admitted to practice in England & Wales and New York.

Mark Fox· Venture Partner - Asia, Israel and US· Toronto, Ontario, Canadain

William Laxton· Venture Partner· London, England, United Kingdomin

Chief Executive Officer of Mactaggart Family & Partners and Managing Director of Mactaggart Heritable Ltd and Mactaggart Hotel Holdings. A real estate professional focused on UK city-centre office and hotel developments, transaction origination and capital raising.

Ariel Buczak· Legal staff

Supports TEL Venture Capital with legal review of investment transactions, commercial agreements, and IP strategy, with experience in seed-to-growth financings, M&A, and joint ventures. Also provides legal support to TEL Group's US manufacturing and engineering operations.

Ken Matsuse· Accelerator

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2013 as a senior researcher, evaluating startups and their markets from a technical perspective. Experienced in energy storage and solar PV, previously TEL's PV business development director, with over 20 years in the semiconductor industry. Holds a master's from Osaka University.

Kimihiro (Ken) Matsuse· Accelerator

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2013 as a senior researcher, analyzing startups and their markets from a technology standpoint. Has over 20 years of semiconductor industry experience in sales, marketing, and process engineering, with a focus on CVD and PV; holds a master's from Osaka University.

Maria Alonso· Legal staff

Advises TEL Venture Capital on due diligence and national security aspects of investments, including CFIUS clearances. Also serves as an international trade and compliance attorney for Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, advising on EAR, sanctions, and customs matters.

Richard “Rick” Turner· Corporate Secretary & Treasurer· Austin

Serves as Secretary & Treasurer of TEL Venture Capital and as EVP, CFO, and GM Administration for Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, with over 35 years in finance and operations in the semiconductor equipment industry. A CPA with degrees from Virginia Tech, Christopher Newport University, and St. Edward's University.

Sandra Rifai· Regional Advisor, Boston & East Coast· Boston

Advises on the Boston/East Coast region, with a consulting career supporting startups across sensors, biotech, advanced materials, and electronics on their commercialization journeys. A former MIT postdoctoral fellow with a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Ottawa.

Takenao (Takee) Nemoto· Technical Fellow

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2016 with experience in CVD marketing, business development, and management, plus semiconductor equipment development at Tokyo Electron. Former associate professor at Tohoku University, where he earned his Ph.D. in engineering.

Willy Chen· Researcher· Taiwan

Joined TEL Venture Capital in 2025 as a researcher in Taiwan after 4 years in TEL Taiwan procurement. Has over 20 years of experience across chip manufacturing, equipment customization, business development, and sales; holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Yuan-Ze Institute of Technology.

Joseph Orozco· Venture Capitalist· Greater Toronto Area, Canada

What they invest in

from 22 of 47 portfolio companies

Deep Tech ×14Hardware ×14Semiconductors ×13AI & Machine Learning ×8Advanced Manufacturing ×6New Materials ×5Cleantech ×3Enterprise Software ×3

HQs:United States×14Japan×6Germany×2France×2Australia×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 14 portfolio companies

64%

solo founders

9 of 14 mapped founding teams

Founding team size:solo founder×92 founders×44+ founders×1

What their founders studiedfrom 10 founders with field-of-study data

Engineering ×3Physics ×3

Investments · 47 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2026 · 1 2025 · 3 2022 · 1 2020 · 1 2017 · 1 2014 · 4 2013 · 112 dated

Adaptive Surface Technologiesadaptivesurface.techFeb 2022

Cambridge, US

Jimmy Williams Jr.(Director)Grant Tremelling(Executive Officer)David Ward(Executive Officer, Director)Joanna Aizenberg(Director)Curtis Maas(Director)Andrew Stevenson(Director)

Co-investorsAnzu Partners

Alediaaledia.com in

Aledia develops next-generation MicroLED display technology based on 3D nanowires grown on silicon, operating a pilot line and high-volume production facility.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductorsGrenoble, FR

philippe GILET(Founder)in

Co-investorsBraemar Energy Ventures Intel Capital Demeter Ingka Investments Sofinnova Ventures Supernova +3 more

Applied Nanolayersappliednanolayers.com in

Black Semiconductor develops integrated photonics and electronics chip technology using graphene to enable energy-efficient, high-speed data communication for AI, robotics, autonomous driving, and high-performance computing applications.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechSemiconductorsAachen, DE

Dr. Daniel Schall(Co-founder & CEO)Sebastian Schall(Co-founder)in

ArrowPointcisco.com in 𝕏Acquired

Cisco provides networking, data center, and security technology for enterprises, including infrastructure to run traditional and AI workloads and tools to keep organizations running against cyberattacks and outages.

Cloud ComputingCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareIoTSan Jose, US

John Chambers inChuck Robbinsin

Co-investorsAccess Venture Partners AllegisCyber Capital Aviv Venture Capital Bantam Group Castile Ventures Celtic House Venture Partners +32 more

Cellidcellid.com in

Cellid is a fabless company developing AR glasses displays (waveguides) and spatial recognition engines for next-generation devices.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareRoppongi, JP

Ken Shirakami(Representative Director & CEO)SATOSHI SHIRAGA(Founder)inKen Shiragami(Representative Director & CEO)

Co-investors15th Rock Global Brain Techstars Development Bank of Japan FFG Venture Business Partners IMM Investment +2 more

ChEmpowerchempower-corp.comApr 2025 · $18.7M

ChemPower develops an abrasive-free chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) technology and materials for advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechNew MaterialsSemiconductorsBeaverton, US

Sudhanshu Misra(CEO)inSV Babu(CTO)

Board SCOTT SHAW(Director)inOWEN LOZMAN(Director)JESSICA FREYER(Director)inBABU SURYADEVARA(Director)

Co-investorsFoothill Ventures Intel Capital M Ventures Pangaea Ventures Us Inc.Portland Seed Fund Rhapsody Venture Partners +2 more

Enthoughtenthought.com in 𝕏

Enthought provides scientific computing services, enterprise scientific software development, and digital transformation for science, applying Python, AI/machine learning, and simulation to research and R&D problems.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechEnterprise Software

Eric Jones(Founder, Chairman & CEO)in

Floadiafloadia.com in 𝕏

Floadia develops and licenses non-volatile embedded memory IP, including manufacturing process technology and circuit designs, to semiconductor makers and foundries.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareSemiconductorsKodaira, JP

Kosuke Okuyama(President & CEO)

Co-investorsIDATEN Ventures Miyako Capital UMC Capital UntroD Capital

FMCferroelectric-memory.com in

FMC is a semiconductor company developing non-volatile memory solutions, spun from EU research institutions with R&D and manufacturing operations across Europe, the US, Japan, and Taiwan.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductorsDresden, DE

Thomas Rueckes(Chief Executive Officer)in Ayman Abouelwafa(Chief Product Officer)inNorm Armour(Chief Operating Officer)in Raj Jammy(President Global BU & CTO)in

Co-investorsBosch Ventures DeepTech & Climate Fonds imec.xpand Robert Bosch Venture Capital HV Capital M Ventures +3 more

Fortaegis Technologiesfortaegis.com inAug 2025

Fortaegis is a security-focused technology company that builds foundational infrastructure for securing AI, quantum, and advanced computing systems.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDefense Tech

Co-investorsAccess Ventures (New York)Serendipity Capital

Genalytegenalyte.com in 𝕏

Genalyte develops Merlin, a real-time diagnostic system that performs laboratory testing directly in clinical settings and integrates results with electronic health records.

Digital HealthHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesSan Diego, US

Cary Gunn(Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer)in

Co-investorsBioBrit Boutique Venture Partners Claremont Creek Ventures FusionX Ventures IPD Capital Samsara BioCapital +3 more

Hinaleahinaleaimaging.com in 𝕏

Hinalea Imaging builds hyperspectral imaging systems that pair spectral and spatial imaging hardware with custom AI/machine learning software for real-time analysis.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardware

Co-investorsPangaea Ventures Us Inc.

Hprobehprobe.com inFeb 2020

Hprobe designs, manufactures, and markets automated wafer-level testing equipment for magnetic devices such as MRAM and magnetic sensors, using a patented 3D magnetic field generator technology.

Deep TechDeveloper ToolsHardwareSemiconductorsGrenoble, FR

Siamak Salimy(Founder)in

Co-investorsBNP Paribas Développement

Light Polymerslightpolymers.com inJul 2017 · $5M

Light Polymers develops lyotropic liquid crystal materials and coatable polarizer solutions for displays and optical applications in electronics, mixed reality headsets, automotive displays, and microLED technologies.

Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsSanta Clara, US

William Bandelin

Luxteraluxtera.comOct 2013

Global leader in silicon photonics, first to achieve direct 'fiber to the chip' integration on CMOS.

Carlsbad, US

Eli Yablonovitch(Director)Greg Young(Executive Officer, Director)inTom Foody(Executive Officer)

BoardAndy Rappaport(Director)Rohini Chakravarthy(Director)inForest Baskett(Director)

Co-investorsAugust Capital Cisco Investments OUP (Osage University Partners)

Molecular Imprintsmolecularimprints.comApr 2014

Market and technology leader in nanopatterning using Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FIL) technology (acquired).

Austin, US

David Gino(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardDaniel I. Rubin(Director)Wilbert van den Hoek(Director)Edward Grady(Director)

Co-investorsOwl Capital

Nanosysnanosys.com inAcquired

Nanosys develops Quantum Dot technology and materials, providing samples, R&D collaboration, and scaled production for partners building display and other advanced-material products.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductorsMilpitas, US

Jason Hartlove(Executive Officer, Director)inJian Chen(Executive Officer)in Russell Kempt(Executive Officer)inNoland Granberry(Executive Officer)in

Board Keith Crandell(Director)Steven Goldby(Director)

Co-investorsProspect Venture Partners Structural Capital Venrock ARCH Venture Partners Centerbridge Partners, L.P.Fortress Investment Group +1 more

Nanteronantero.com

Nantero develops NRAM, a carbon nanotube-based nonvolatile random access memory, plus other nanotube semiconductor technologies.

Woburn, US

Greg Schmergel(Executive Officer, Director)

Board Dave Fachetti(Director)Bruce Sachs(Director)Jennifer Fonstad(Director)Margaret Seif(Director)OB Bilous(Director)

Co-investorsBantam Group Cisco Investments Globespan Capital Partners NAV.VC ZMT Capital Dell Technologies Capital +1 more

Numat Technologiesnumat.com in 𝕏

Numat develops metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and manufactures them at industrial scale through an integrated campus with ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechNew MaterialsIllinois, US

Ben Hernandez(Founder and Chief Executive Officer)inDr. Omar Farha(Founder and Chief Scientific Officer)

BoardT. Jay Collins(Director)Bill Kroll(Director)Luka Erceg(Director)Jeff Klunzinger(Director)

Co-investorsGlobal Brain Rapha Capital Management, LLC Universal Materials Incubator

Opt Creationoptc.co.jp

A service that recruits customers seeking orthodontic braces through social media and refers them to dental clinics.

B2B MarketplacesBiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesTokyo, JP

Phosiophosio.com inMar 2026

Phosio develops UV-curable metal oxide precursors that enable low-temperature deposition for optical and electronic components used in smart glasses, semiconductors, and display technologies.

Advanced ManufacturingHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductorsCorvallis, US

Omid Sadeghi(Chief Executive Officer)in

Board Bryn Pilney(Director)inAndrew Greenville(Director)Joe O'Keeffe(Director)

Co-investorsElevate Capital MESH Silicon Catalyst Sierra Ventures

Pivotal Systemspivotalsys.com inDec 2014

Pivotal Systems develops gas flow control equipment for semiconductor wafer manufacturing, combining flow measurement and control valve technology to improve performance beyond current industry standards.

Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningHardwareSemiconductorsFremont, US

John Hoffman(Executive Officer, Director)Omesh Sharma(Executive Officer)inJoseph Monkowski(Executive Officer, Director)

Board Kevin Landis(Director)in

Co-investorsAnzu Partners Firsthand Technology Value Fund Firsthand Capital

Preferred Networkspreferred.jp in 𝕏

Preferred Networks vertically integrates computer science technologies from semiconductors and computing infrastructure to solutions and applications, developing AI/machine learning systems including the domestically-built large language model PLaMo and the MN-Core AI processor series.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareSemiconductorsTokyo, JP

西川徹(Co-founder)岡野原大輔(Co-founder)

Co-investorsTBS Innovation Partners Development Bank of Japan Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Mitsui & Co Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

PSI Quantumpsiquantum.com in 𝕏May 2025

PsiQuantum builds fault-tolerant quantum computers using photonic qubits and semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Deep TechHardwareQuantum ComputingSemiconductorsMoreton Bay, AU

Prof. Terry Rudolph(Co-founder & Chief Architect)Dr. Pete Shadbolt(Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer)inProf. Mark Thompson(Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer)Jeremy O'Brien(Founder)in Victor Peng(Chief Executive Officer)in

Board Siraj Khaliq(Director)in

Co-investorsBlackbird Foundry Blackbird Ventures C4 Ventures Cold Start Ventures FOG Ventures Founders Fund +35 more

ネクスファイ・テクノロジーnexfi-tech.com

NexFi Technology Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells high-voltage power equipment using next-generation SiC (silicon carbide) power devices.

CleantechDeep TechEnergyHardwareSemiconductorsOsaka, JP

Takashi Nakamura(代表取締役社長 (President & CEO))

Co-investorsOSAKA University Venture Capital

筑波精工tsukubaseiko.co.jp

Tsukuba Seiko develops electrostatic chuck technology using electrostatic fields, including fixed in-equipment chucks and its "Supporter" tool that addresses wafer warping and cracking during thin-wafer semiconductor manufacturing.

Advanced ManufacturingHardwareSemiconductors

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

ANMSCelestryCrystal SolarEN2CORE TechnologyEnerVaultINVARIUMLiolaMioxNaidunNanoGramNexFi TechnologyPMLQromisQuantum14SBA MaterialsUnidymVista TherapeuticsWooptixアドテックスビジネスプラン提案はこちら東京エレクトロンとのシナジーがある革新技術について貴社のプランをお聞かせください。

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Phosio Raises $4 Million Seed Round to Bring Affordable AR/AI Glasses to Mass Market — Phosio Corporation

Phosio · phosio.com · Jun 3, 2026

PFN Raises Additional Fund in Latest Extension Round - Preferred Networks, Inc.

Preferred Networks · preferred.jp · Jun 30, 2025

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has TEL Venture Capital, Inc. made?: TEL Venture Capital, Inc. has 47 tracked investments, 2 of which have exited, including 4 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does TEL Venture Capital, Inc. invest at?: TEL Venture Capital, Inc. invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
What sectors does TEL Venture Capital, Inc. focus on?: TEL Venture Capital, Inc. focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Cleantech, Deep Tech, Energy, Hardware, IoT, New Materials, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Sector Agnostic, Semiconductors.
Where is TEL Venture Capital, Inc. located?: TEL Venture Capital, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, US.
Who does TEL Venture Capital, Inc. co-invest with?: TEL Venture Capital, Inc. most often shares deals with Intel Capital, Anzu Partners, Cisco Investments, among 109 tracked co-investors.