BMW i Ventures has announced a strategic investment in GaN Systems, a fabless power transistor company at the forefront of semiconductor technology.
Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a wide band gap semiconductor material that allows for higher energy efficiency, smaller form factors and higher performance.
GaN Systems focusses on GaN-based power transistors that can be used in consumer devices, data centers, industrial and automotive. GaN transistors enable next generation electric vehicles with higher power density, faster charging capabilities and longer ranges.
“GaN Systems’ power transistors have created new possibilities for engineers to build the power electronics demanded by today’s systems. Gallium Nitride-based transistors have become, in my opinion, the next big stepping stone in miniaturization. We have seen systems ¼ of the size while providing better efficiency than traditional silicon-based alternatives. With GaN, any system that needs power can become smaller, lighter and more efficient. These capabilities are particularly relevant in the automotive sector,” stated Uwe Higgen, Managing Director, BMW i Ventures.
GaN Systems’ CEO, Jim Witham, commented on the landmark investment, “From computer/phone chargers and data center servers to factory motors and electric cars, our customers have validated the GaN value proposition of small, efficient, low-cost power electronics. These benefits are widely recognized by the world’s biggest companies across all industries.”
In a related news, BMW i Ventures has also announced an investment in Shift, a San Francisco-based startup that combines technology and a team of car concierges to take the hassle and guesswork out of buying and selling pre-owned cars.
BMW i Ventures led a $37M Series C financing with participation from new major investors G2 Venture Capital and DCM Ventures, as well as continued participation from DFJ, Highland Capital, and Goldman Sachs Investment Partners. Christian Noske, a partner at BMW i Ventures, has joined the Shift Board of Directors.
Shift is rapidly becoming the millennial way to buy a pre-owned car – more than 50% of Shift’s customers and 70% of buyers who receive a loan on Shift’s platform are millennials. Thanks to strong engagement from millennials, Shift has become the leading pre-owned car seller in the entire Bay Area. By leveraging its in-house technology, Shift is able to provide the best experience and value for both buyers and sellers (free on-demand test drives, fully digital lending origination, on-site appraisals, trade-ins, and car pick-ups). Shift also manages the entire buying and selling process, ranging from routine inspections to detailing and DMV paperwork.
“We are interested in technology companies that challenge the status quo and build products that help improve transportation options for consumers,” said BMW i Ventures Partner Christian Noske. “Buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases most people ever make and BMW i Ventures is committed to making this experience not just good, but great. Shift’s proprietary technology, world-class team of engineers, and forward-thinking workforce will help the company to succeed in the used car market.”
“BMW is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic car brands in the world, which truly makes this a pinch-me moment for the entire Shift team,” said Shift Founder and CEO George Arison. “We are also honored to have DCM and G2VP join us with such significant participation in this round. Over the past two years, we have improved and adjusted our model with the same mission in mind: to provide customers with a better car buying experience by providing an unprecedented level of transparency and test drives delivered to their door. We could not ask for a better partners than BMW i Ventures, G2VP, and DCM.”
BMW i Ventures, BMW’s EUR 500 Mio venture capital fund, invests money and resources in startups the fields of autonomous driving, digital car and automotive cloud, e-mobility, artificial Intelligence and data, industry 4.0, shared and on-demand mobility, customer digital life, and energy services.
Through its previous investments in the fields of e-mobility, navigation, parking, car sharing and intermodality, BMW i Ventures has already entered into strategic partnerships with innovative providers such as Scoop, Zirx, RiceCell, Chargepoint, Life360, Moovit, JustPark, Chargemaster, Zendrive, Rever Moto, STRIVR, Desktop Metal, BUS.com, Proterra, Xometry and Caroobi.
