Skip to main content

Intel Capital

Intel Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Intel Corporation, investing in AI, cloud, semiconductor, and deep tech startups since 1991. Intel Capital was founded in 1991. The company is led by Anthony Lin. Based in Santa Clara, California, United States. Team size: 101-500. Latest round: Undisclosed. Key investors include Intel Corporation (parent company, sole LP historically).

Founded
1991
Headquarters
Santa Clara, California, United States
Team size
101-500

Value proposition

Intel Capital provides strategic capital, deep tech expertise, and access to Intel's global ecosystem — including customer introductions to Global 2000 enterprises, embedded Intel engineers, and go-to-market support — to early-stage and growth-stage technology startups.

Products and solutions

Intel Capital invests across four domains: Cloud (AI infrastructure, data center, cloud-native), Devices (edge computing, IoT, automotive), Frontier (AI, quantum computing, robotics, autonomous systems), and Silicon (semiconductor design, advanced packaging, chiplet technologies). Portfolio includes SambaNova Systems, Figure AI, AI21 Labs, Anyscale, Astera Labs, SiFive, and over 1,800 other companies.

Unique value

As the world's first corporate venture capital firm (founded 1991), Intel Capital offers portfolio companies unparalleled access to Intel's technology resources, engineering talent, and enterprise customer network, with over $20B deployed across 1,800+ companies and 700+ IPOs/mergers.

Target customer

Early-stage to growth-stage technology startups in AI, cloud infrastructure, semiconductor, autonomous systems, and deep tech sectors seeking both capital and strategic partnership with Intel.

Industries served

Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Semiconductors, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, Enterprise Software, Healthcare Technology, Automotive

Technology advantage

Over $5B in AUM; 250+ Intel Embedded Experts placed in portfolio companies; ~1,000 curated Global 2000 customer introductions annually; 75%+ of deals led on average; 700+ IPOs and mergers; global presence across North America, Western Europe, Israel, and Asia Pacific.

How they differentiate

Intel Capital differentiates through its 34-year legacy as the first corporate VC, deep semiconductor and hardware expertise, hands-on Embedded Experts program placing Intel engineers directly in portfolio companies, and unmatched access to Intel's enterprise customer ecosystem and manufacturing capabilities.

Main competitors

Google Ventures (GV), Qualcomm Ventures, Microsoft M12

Key partnerships

Intel Corporation (parent company and anchor investor), Portfolio companies include SambaNova Systems, Figure AI, AI21 Labs, Anyscale, Astera Labs, SiFive, Oxide Computer Company, RunPod, Twelve Labs, MinIO, and 1,800+ others

Major milestones

1991: Founded by Les Vadasz as first corporate VC firm, 2020: Invested $132M in 11 AI/automation startups, Jan 2025: Announced plan to spin off as standalone fund, Apr 2025: CEO Lip-Bu Tan reversed spin-off decision, keeping Intel Capital in-house, Over $20B invested across 1,800+ companies with 700+ IPOs/mergers to date.

Growth metrics

$5B+ AUM; $20B+ deployed across 1,800+ companies; 700+ IPOs and mergers; 75%+ of deals led; ~1,000 Global 2000 customer introductions per year; 250+ Embedded Experts placed in portfolio companies

Market positioning

Intel Capital is one of the largest and most established corporate venture capital firms globally, with a 34+ year track record. It competes with other top CVCs (Google Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Microsoft M12, Samsung Catalyst Fund) and traditional VC firms (a16z, Sequoia, Accel) for early-stage deep tech deals.

Geographic focus

Global — North America (primary), Western Europe, Israel, Asia Pacific (including China)

About Anthony Lin

Over 25 years in technology investments and M&A. Prior to Intel Capital (joined 2008): 12 years in corporate finance, M&A and private equity at Banc of America Securities, ASAT, Merrill Lynch and PaineWebber. Holds a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley.

Official website: