Releasing new power semiconductor technology: The start-up company route

The commercialisation of new concepts in power devices and electronics through formation of start-up companies is discussed. Two companies in which the author has been associated as a founder are examined as examples. One a fabless semiconductor IC company in the area of power management, and the other an inverter company in which IC technology is coupled with novel power electronics at the module level. It is shown that there are different routes and time frames over which start-up companies can be formed and funded. Both cases, though different, show the opportunities which exist for enabling new technologies to emerge into the market through venture capital funded start-up companies in the power area.