The venture firm’s new fund will back seed stage through Series B founder aligned with its broader corporate strategy that focuses on sustainability, digitalization, and long-term societal impact.
In a bold move to power the next wave of global innovation, TDK Ventures, the corporate venture arm of electronics giant TDK Corporation, has announced the launch of its third fund—a $150 million commitment aimed at early-stage startups working at the cutting edge of deep tech and sustainability. Toal assets under management (AUM) are now a robust $500 million, significantly expanding its ability to support entrepreneurs solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Building on a Proven Track Record
Since its inception in 2019, TDK Ventures has carved out a distinctive space in the venture capital world by targeting startups developing transformative technologies in areas often underserved by traditional VCs. Fund 3 follows the success of Fund 1, Fund 2, and the strategic Fund EX1, and continues the firm’s mission to back visionary founders across Seed to Series B stages.
With a vision to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as robotics and industrial systems, next-generation transportation, mixed reality, and IoT/IIoT, TDK Ventures was established to drive innovation in the materials science and energy/power areas. It co-invests with partners and provides startups with technical expertise and global market access through its parent company’s extensive ecosystem.
A Platform for Purpose-Driven Innovation
The new fund underscores TDK’s broader corporate strategy, dubbed “TDK Transformation,” which focuses on sustainability, digitalization, and long-term societal impact. According to Noboru Saito, President and CEO of TDK Corporation, Fund 3 plays a dual role: investing in the future of industry while creating new innovation pathways for TDK itself.
“Fund 3 reflects our continued confidence in [TDK Ventures’] ability to uncover what’s next and empower the innovators who will shape the world for generations to come—while also unlocking new pathways for TDK’s own growth,” Saito stated.
Headquartered in Tokyo and originally founded in 1935 to commercialize ferrite—a breakthrough magnetic material—TDK Corporation has grown into a global leader in electronic solutions for the smart society. Today, TDK’s portfolio includes ceramic, film, and aluminum electrolytic capacitors, sensors, magnetic components, power supplies, and cutting-edge energy devices. Its product lines serve demanding markets such as automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and ICT, and it operates under brands including TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda.
With over 101,000 employees globally and $14.6 billion in sales in fiscal 2024, TDK remains committed to innovation rooted in materials science mastery and technological evolution. TDK Ventures extends this commitment into the startup world by fostering partnerships with entrepreneurs who align with its mission to create a more sustainable and connected world.
Deeptech Sectors of Focus
TDK Ventures Fund 3 will target five high-impact innovation categories, reinforcing its strategy of investing in technologies with deep scientific roots and wide-reaching societal implications:
- AI, Compute, Connectivity – With the rise of generative AI and next-gen data center needs, the fund will back startups at the frontier of computing, photonics, and advanced connectivity.
- Materials – A nod to TDK’s heritage, this category includes next-generation materials, nanofabrication, and circularity innovations that can drive efficiency and sustainability.
- Climate-Tech – Focused on both climate mitigation and adaptation, this area supports technologies that directly address global environmental concerns.
- Robotics & Manufacturing – From industrial OS to advanced robotics and space manufacturing, TDK aims to fuel the evolution of next-gen production capabilities.
- Mobility, AgTech & Digital Economy – The fund also looks at electrification, sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and enabling a digital economy in emerging markets.
By aligning with these sectors, Fund 3 sets its sights on building companies that will not only disrupt traditional markets but also solve for environmental and societal well-being.
A Unique Value Proposition for Founders
Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, emphasized the firm’s approach of going beyond capital to offer strategic and operational collaboration.
“With Fund 3, we double down on our commitment to uncover and support transformative startups poised to define new markets. More than capital, we bring deep operational collaboration and a unique ability to forge ‘equal win’ synergies between bold entrepreneurs and TDK Group companies.”
This “equal win” strategy has led to meaningful co-development opportunities, faster commercialization, and increased resilience for portfolio companies. That strength is evident in TDK Ventures’ exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 88% in 2025, with five consecutive years scoring above 80%—a rare achievement in venture capital.
Bridging Ecosystems Across the Globe
In keeping with its global ambition, TDK Ventures maintains active collaborations with leading venture capital firms, corporate innovators, and top research institutions. This multi-ecosystem model creates a rich knowledge exchange and strategic alignment that enhances the success rate of startups while reinforcing TDK’s position in the fast-changing tech landscape.
From its base in San Jose, California, TDK Ventures operates with a worldwide perspective, supporting startups wherever they emerge—from Silicon Valley to Seoul, from Munich to Mumbai.
For entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies in energy, advanced computing, materials science, industrial robotics, and climate solutions, TDK Ventures offers more than just investment. It offers an engine for scale—powered by a legacy of scientific excellence and a modern vision for a smarter, greener planet.
As Sauvage noted, Fund 3 is not merely another investment vehicle—it’s a strategic lever for transformation.
“It’s a catalyst for TDK’s own transformation and a launchpad for those who dare to define the future.”
