Panel to debate the lack of VC funding for start ups
The National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) has unveiled the first in a series of panel debate topics to take place at Future World Symposium. Entitled 'Financing the next wave of semiconductor innovation', the session will address the declining availability of VC funding and determine potential alternative funding strategies for start up companies.
The panel will be chaired by Malcolm Penn, chairman of semiconductor analyst Future Horizons.
Starting on the 15th September at Lord's Cricket Ground, the two day conference seeks to unveil the paths of global technological innovation throughout the next decade.
John Moor, the NMI's VP of design innovation, said: "The costs associated with starting an ic company are increasing and so too is the length of time it takes to see a return on that investment. This has meant many VCs are moving to later stage investments or have vacated the semiconductor sector altogether.
"Start ups are vital to innovation in a great many sectors and the financing of this community is crucial. Are we about to see a new model for start ups that does not rely so heavily on VC backing or do we need to see some high profile successes to revitalise the interest of the VCs?"
