Hyundai and Kia invest in VisIC for power semiconductors

VisIC Technologies, which is developing gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors for EVs, has announced the second closing of its Series B funding, securing $26 million.

The round was led by an unnamed global semiconductor company and included participation from automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia.

The lead investor’s focus on advancing critical semiconductor technologies complements VisIC’s D³GaN platform, which is designed to deliver efficiency, scalability and reliability for automotive drivetrains. HKMC’s participation reflects the company’s focus on integrating GaN technology into EV platforms.

VisIC’s GaN-based technology aims to address the limitations of silicon technologies in delivering the efficiency and power density required for next-generation EV platforms, especially at higher voltages, by enabling smaller, lighter and more efficient inverters for 400 V and 800 V architectures.

The company will use the new financing for the optimization, qualification, and release of Gen3 750 V GaN dice and power modules. It will also develop Gen4 1,350 V GaN technology and expand into power requirements for 800 V data centers leveraging the same platform.

“Hyundai Motor Company and Kia are committed to advancing sustainable mobility. Partnering with VisIC enables us to integrate cutting-edge GaN power technologies into our EV platforms, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and performance as we shape the future of electric transportation,” the automakers stated.

Source: VisIC Technologies