The primary objective of Micron Ventures is to assist Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”) in supporting the long-term needs of its customers in the communications, automotive, medical, computing, and consumer electronics markets. As a key component of Micron’s innovation strategy, early stage equity investments provide Micron with access to technologies, markets, applications and key innovators influencing the semiconductor space.
Whether it is a simple investment or a more extensive partnership, Micron Ventures uniquely tailors its collaboration to address the specific needs of its portfolio companies. Ultimately, success is predicated on the ability of Micron and its co-investors, to assist growth companies in becoming determining forces within their respective marketplaces.
About Micron Ventures
Launched in 2006, Micron Ventures is authorized to invest $100M over the next ten years in early stage technology companies. Micron Ventures invests in companies whose technologies or solutions are salient to the strategic interests of Micron. Specifically, Micron Ventures is targeting next generation memory solutions, semiconductor processing solutions, imaging technologies, embedded applications, and other disruptive semiconductor technologies.
Team
The Micron Ventures team is composed of investment professionals and a knowledgeable advisory committee composed of senior Micron personnel. In performing due diligence and supporting portfolio companies the Micron Ventures team can also leverage the myriad of technical, process, and industry expertise harbored within Micron's business units and R&D programs.
Ian Blasch, Managing Director, Micron Ventures
As Managing Director of Micron Ventures, Ian Blasch oversees all of the direct investing and passive investing activities of Micron. Ian holds responsibilities for defining investment strategy and integrating the activities of Micron Ventures into Micron’s business units.
Prior to joining Micron, Ian was an investment banker with William Blair & Company’s technology practice. Before William Blair & Company, Ian was the CEO and founder of Tiqit Computer, the first company to integrate Windows XP into a handheld computer. Ian has also worked as a consultant with McKinsey & Co. and as a design engineer for the US Air Force where he designed countermeasures for ballistic missiles. He holds an MBA/MSE from Stanford Business School, an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Cranfield University, where he was a Marshall Scholar, and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Advisory Committee
Steve Appleton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mark Durcan, President and Chief Operating Officer
Dean Klein, Vice President of Memory System Development
Brian Shirley, Vice President of Memory
Submission Process
Micron Ventures is interested in early-stage companies with the potential for high growth, ability to impact a market, sound business fundamentals, and a strong intellectual property position. If you believe that your company matches these investment criteria, we would be interested in reviewing your business plan. See the Micron Ventures submission process.
Benefits to Portfolio Companies
Portfolio companies will benefit from Micron’s financial support and, where appropriate, receive access to world-class technology, process expertise, strategic insights, and market intelligence.
Technology
As a leading supplier of DRAM, NAND, and image sensor products, Micron has extensive experience in the product lifecycle of semiconductor products. Where appropriate, portfolio companies will be able to access leading edge semiconductor designers and process engineers for advice and guidance. Leveraging this knowledge could be instrumental in generating time-to-market and financial planning advantages for semiconductor companies who are designing leading edge solutions.
Visibility and Validation
One of the biggest hurdles for a growth company is establishing credibility for the company and its products or services. In most cases, portfolio companies will be able to reference Micron’s investment in order to source suppliers, engage customers, and attract both investors and employees.
Business and Strategic Relationships
If applicable, Micron will promote portfolio companies within our extensive global network of suppliers, customers, and technology partners. Portfolio companies may benefit from our close relationships with leading technology companies in areas such as telecommunications, computer hardware, consumer electronics, and semiconductor processing. In addition, Micron can provide introductions and access to other strategic investors, leading venture capitalists, and investment bankers.