In a major win for India’s semiconductor ambitions, DLI-supported startup C2i Semiconductors from Bengaluru has raised $15 million in a Series A round spearheaded by Peak XV Partners. The funding, revealed Monday, elevates the chip designer’s cumulative private investments to around 170 crore rupees, following a prior $4 million tranche in 2024.
Empowered by the government’s Design Linked Incentive scheme, C2i will fast-track its advanced power management semiconductors for AI data centers and cloud setups. The capital targets high-density power solutions that promise unmatched reliability, addressing key pain points in next-gen computing.
Peak XV’s bet on C2i stems from the startup’s novel tech, which could dramatically enhance GPU longevity and slash industry costs by billions, as noted by MD Rajan Anandan. The company’s ‘Grid to Core’ methodology optimizes power pathways inside servers, delivering electricity with superior efficiency and safety right to the processor core.
This innovation acts as an intelligent power controller for data centers, ensuring AI systems deliver peak performance without interruptions. It’s a vital leap for scalable digital infrastructure amid surging AI demands.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined India’s dual focus on semiconductor design and fabrication to build IP and world-class firms. The 2022 DLI program counters startup hurdles—prolonged R&D, high expenses, and risks—via funding, cutting-edge tools, and IP access, all vetted by expert panels.
Investor trust in DLI startups is surging, evidenced by C2i’s rapid funding trajectory. This reflects a maturing Indian chip ecosystem, drawing global attention and paving the way for more breakthroughs in deep-tech innovation.