By Kim Yoo-chul
SK hynix has invested 2.2 billion won in a startup in the Silicon Valley in what officials say is a part of a corporate strategy to increase its stake in the rising image sensor segment.
According to industry sources, the SK Group's semiconductor affiliate recently acquired a 9.1 percent stake in Stratio, a startup established in 2013 and led by Lee Jae-hyung, who worked at Boston Consulting Group and Samsung Electronics.
Stratio has strengths of developing image sensors using short wavelengths to be used in medical and defense equipment, said officials. Stratio-owned patents are expected to be used even in the construction, food and automotive industries.
K Cube Ventures, a local venture company that funds and supports startups and young entrepreneurs in Korea, invested 100 million won in Stratio in October.
Also, the Chilean government recently decided to offer various back-up programs to Stratio under which the venture can operate its business in the South American country for six months with $40,000 in funding.
SK hynix, which has strengths in manufacturing DRAMs, began managing the CMOS Image Sensor business from November 2007 in order to cut its heavy reliance on DRAMs and to diversify its business portfolios.
In 2012, the company developed products using its image sensor-embedded back-side illumination technology.
An SK hynix official said the company has no official comment about its investment in Stratio.
SK hynix has invested 2.2 billion won in a startup in the Silicon Valley in what officials say is a part of a corporate strategy to increase its stake in the rising image sensor segment.
According to industry sources, the SK Group's semiconductor affiliate recently acquired a 9.1 percent stake in Stratio, a startup established in 2013 and led by Lee Jae-hyung, who worked at Boston Consulting Group and Samsung Electronics.
Stratio has strengths of developing image sensors using short wavelengths to be used in medical and defense equipment, said officials. Stratio-owned patents are expected to be used even in the construction, food and automotive industries.
K Cube Ventures, a local venture company that funds and supports startups and young entrepreneurs in Korea, invested 100 million won in Stratio in October.
Also, the Chilean government recently decided to offer various back-up programs to Stratio under which the venture can operate its business in the South American country for six months with $40,000 in funding.
SK hynix, which has strengths in manufacturing DRAMs, began managing the CMOS Image Sensor business from November 2007 in order to cut its heavy reliance on DRAMs and to diversify its business portfolios.
In 2012, the company developed products using its image sensor-embedded back-side illumination technology.
An SK hynix official said the company has no official comment about its investment in Stratio.
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