TDK Ventures Invests in Analog In-Memory Computation Pioneer, Analog Inference
April 8, 2021 -- TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announced today that subsidiary TDK Ventures Inc. added Analog Inference, a pioneer in analog compute chipsets, to its growing investment portfolio.
Analog Inference is building a world-changing line of AI inference accelerators using novel analog in-memory compute technology. Analog Inference’s products fundamentally improve the way devices perform their underlying operations, paving the way for previously unachievable energy efficiency. .
Analog Inference’s solutions offer order-of-magnitude better inference performance per watt with their software configurable architecture, taking advantage of their unique analog compute cores, high bandwidth memory, low-latency parallel processing elements, and a deep understanding of neural networks. Their foundational chipsets demonstrate a compelling mix of accuracy, modularity, and ease of integration with standard industry software tools—enabling developers everywhere to accelerate societal goals and aspirations.
“We are focused on developing and commercializing technologies that will enable our customers to harness the full power of AI for different edge applications,” said Vishal Sarin, Founder, President and COO of Analog Inference. “This partnership with TDK accelerates that vision and leverages their expertise in manufacturing and strategic implementation.”
“Real breakthroughs in chip technology and architectures are hard to come by, especially those with order-of-magnitude levels of improvement,” said Nicolas Sauvage, Managing Director of TDK Ventures. “Analog Inference’s technology innovations affect a paradigm shift in how artificial intelligence compute is done for neural networks compared to traditional power-hungry digital chips. The technology leverages the power efficiencies to be gained from extreme low energy in-memory analog compute on a stable chip fabrication process technology providing for a clear path to mass production. This new technology has the potential to unlock new applications and solutions at the edge not possible today due to power and thermal constraints.”
“Analog Inference is on the bleeding edge of what’s possible with edge compute, blazing the trail for a new level of applications for edge devices, and are able to sustain a real competitive advantage in this high-volume market with an order-of-magnitude power advantage for a given computing power,” said Vinod Khosla, Founder and Investment Partner at Khosla Ventures.
To find out more about TDK Ventures, interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2020, TDK posted total sales of USD 12.5 billion and employed about 107,000 people worldwide
About TDK Ventures
TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company’s vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as health and wellness, next-generation transportation, robotics and industrial, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com.
About Analog Inference
Analog Inference is a Developer of neural computing products, building a world-changing line of AI inference accelerators using a novel analog in-memory compute technology. Our solutions provide orders of magnitude more performance per watt than other competing technologies and are targeted at markets ranging from edge servers all the way to mobile devices. For more information, please visit www.analog-inference.com.
Source: TDK Corporation
