Applied Ventures

Applied Ventures is the venture capital arm of Applied Materials, based in Santa Clara, California. Since its establishment in 2006, the firm has focused on early-stage investments, primarily within deep technology sectors such as semiconductors, energy, advanced materials, and life sciences. Applied Ventures has a global reach, with investments spanning across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. The firm is known for its flexibility, investing up to $100 million annually and actively participating in funding rounds ranging from $10 to $50 million. Its strategy emphasizes supporting startups with disruptive technologies by connecting them to Applied Materials' global ecosystem, which includes industry partners, supply chain resources, and technical expertise. Key portfolio companies include Ayar Labs (optical I/O technology), Rockley Photonics, and TXOne Networks, reflecting its focus on innovations that align with Applied Materials' core strengths in materials engineering and semiconductor technology​. The investment team is led by Anand Kamannavar, who serves as Global Head, alongside key figures such as Brad McManus, John Wei, and Rajesh Ramanujam, all based in Santa Clara. Applied Ventures is stage-agnostic, supporting both early and growth-stage startups as they scale globally, especially those involved in deep tech advancements.