Latest news with #NicolasSauvage
Time of India
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
TDK Ventures invests in Ultraviolette, aims to accelerate electrification of motorcycles
TDK Corporation has announced that its corporate venture capital subsidiary TDK Ventures has invested in Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette . The investment, part of Ultraviolette's latest funding round, is said to represent TDK Ventures' commitment to advancing sustainable transportation technologies around the globe. In a statement, the company said that the investment aligns with TDK Corporation's strategic pillars of IoT, EV mobility , and renewables, offering collaborative opportunities in advanced battery technology, power electronics, sensors, and rider-assistance systems. 'TDK Ventures believes in empowering visionary companies that are driving the next wave of sustainable innovation," said Nicolas Sauvage, TDK Ventures President. "Ultraviolette exemplifies this with their industry-leading engineering, vertical integration, and a bold vision to reimagine the future of motorcycling and mobility. We are excited to support their journey toward electrifying the world's largest motorcycle markets.' 'We are thrilled to partner with TDK Ventures at this pivotal moment,' stated CEO Narayan Subramaniam.', 'Their deep expertise in energy solutions and electronics, along with our shared commitment to sustainable innovation, will play a critical role in helping Ultraviolette scale rapidly both in India and globally. We are also excited to be associated with the renowned 'TDK Goodness,' which gives us access to the expertise and knowledge of other segments of TDK Corporation.' Ultraviolette CTO Niraj Rajmohan, Ultraviolette said, 'Through this partnership with TDK Ventures, Ultraviolette will continue to innovate in deep-tech to shape the future of mobility. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries in building safer, smarter and more efficient electric mobility eco-system.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Business Wire
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
TDK Ventures Invests in Ultraviolette to Accelerate Electrification of Motorcycles
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that its corporate venture capital subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has invested in Ultraviolette, a leading innovator in high-performance electric motorcycles headquartered in Bangalore, India. The investment, part of Ultraviolette's latest funding round, represents TDK Ventures' commitment to advancing sustainable transportation technologies around the globe. Electrifying the critical electric two-wheel market in India presents a tremendous opportunity to cut carbon emissions and deliver cleaner urban mobility. Following India's rapid adoption of electric scooters – achieving 18% penetration in just four years – electric motorcycles, which currently have <0.1% penetration, are poised for similar explosive growth. The Indian electric 2W market is projected to create a >$50 billion market opportunity within the next ten years. Ultraviolette's software platform powers its electric vehicle (EV) motorcycles and scooters enabling energy transition for the entirety of the 20 million 2W Indian market. Ultraviolette's status as the first Indian EV company to sell to the EU and getting ready to support other developed markets in this transition as well. Ultraviolette is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation with its diverse portfolio of mid-premium motorcycles and scooters for the aspirational India. Enabled by its platform technology, the company offers compelling alternatives to internal combustion engine motorcycles and scooters by combining aspirational design, superior performance, and advanced safety features. The company's flagship F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet models have already garnered major industry awards. Ultraviolette's upcoming scooter the 'Tesseract' and light motorcycle 'Shockwave,' have garnered over 70,000 paid bookings, representing more than $120 million in order value. The company is steadily expanding its distribution network with a presence in 20 Indian cities and a target of reaching 100 cities by year-end. The company commenced sales in 10 EU countries earlier this year. 'TDK Ventures believes in empowering visionary companies that are driving the next wave of sustainable innovation,' said Nicolas Sauvage, TDK Ventures President. 'Ultraviolette exemplifies this with their industry-leading engineering, vertical integration, and a bold vision to reimagine the future of motorcycling and mobility. We are excited to support their journey toward electrifying the world's largest motorcycle markets.' Ultraviolette's technology and manufacturing approach have already set new industry standards. Key innovations include a patented 5-level battery safety system, a proprietary vehicle operating system, and a vertically integrated production facility scaling to 100,000 units. Their premium range of motorcycles delivers up to 30kW of peak power, 155 km/h (96 mph) top speeds, and a real-world range of up to 300 km (186 miles). The Ultraviolette F99 Factory Racing Platform set the record for the fastest Indian-made motorcycle, clocking a top speed of 258 km/h. The Ultraviolette scooters and motorcycles span price points between USD $2000 to $10,000, catering to the entire spectrum of consumer segments in India and around the world. The company is led by co-founders Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan, who bring the right combination of technical and design expertise to become leaders in transitioning 2W mobility to EVs. Ultraviolette's leadership team brings experience across aerospace, consumer electronics, and automotive, with backgrounds at Tesla, Rivian, Apple, Samsung and Honeywell. 'We are thrilled to partner with TDK Ventures at this pivotal moment,' stated CEO Narayan Subramaniam. 'Their deep expertise in energy solutions and electronics, along with our shared commitment to sustainable innovation, will play a critical role in helping Ultraviolette scale rapidly both in India and globally. We are also excited to be associated with the renowned 'TDK Goodness,' which gives us access to the expertise and knowledge of other segments of TDK Corporation.' Ultraviolette CTO Niraj Rajmohan commented, 'Through this partnership with TDK Ventures, Ultraviolette will continue to innovate in deep-tech to shape the future of mobility. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries in building safer, smarter and more efficient electric mobility eco-system.' The investment aligns with TDK Corporation's strategic pillars of IoT, EV mobility, and renewables, offering collaborative opportunities in advanced battery technology, power electronics, sensors, and rider-assistance systems. TDK Ventures opened its Bangalore innovation hub in late 2023 to support India's extraordinary entrepreneurs in scaling their technologies beyond India, leveraging TDK Ventures' experience in growing deep-tech startups worldwide. TDK Ventures is committed to finding and impacting scale-ready technologies on the frontiers of innovation, whose contributions have the potential to build a better, brighter future for all humanity. To learn more about TDK Ventures, interested startups or investment partners should visit or reach out at contact@ About TDK Corporation TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads, software and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2025, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.4 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide. About TDK Ventures TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company's vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as robotics and industrial, next-generation transportation, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: or contact@ About Ultraviolette Ultraviolette (UV) is an innovator in future-ready Electric Vehicle Platforms and Battery Technology. Infused with Aviation DNA, this enterprise was conceived in 2016 by the founders, Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan. Ultraviolette is backed by a spectrum of global investors, including Lingotto (a subsidiary of EXOR N.V., renowned for its majority or controlling stakes in iconic brands and global leaders such as Ferrari, Stellantis, CNH Industrial, The Economist Group, Via, and Juventus), Qualcomm Ventures, Zoho Corporation, TVS Motors, and Speciale Invest. For more information, visit
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
TDK Ventures Invests in Tulum Energy to Advance Scalable Low-Carbon Hydrogen Production
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has co-led the $27 million seed round of Tulum Energy, a pioneering startup producing clean hydrogen solutions for industrial applications through methane pyrolysis (aka: turquoise hydrogen) and by repurposing the designs of already mature industrial equipment. TDK Ventures' investment will be used to accelerate the development of Tulum's innovative clean hydrogen production technology, which leverages commercially available electric-arc plasma reactor technology to achieve cost parity with traditional hydrogen production methods, while also significantly reducing carbon emissions. With support from TDK Ventures and additional co-investment partners, Tulum expects to reach commercial operations directly following the first pilot and achieve hydrogen production costs matching or beating fossil fuel-based alternatives without relying on incentives or the sale of the potentially valuable carbon co-product. Tulum, based in Milan, Italy, has been spun out of Techint Group, a global leader in steel, engineering, and energy. Tulum aims to commercialize a unique and scalable approach to hydrogen production, utilizing proven electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, commonly used in steel production at capacities of over 100 megawatts, in a novel configuration for producing hydrogen. With deep technical backing from Tenova, Techint's subsidiary that produces EAFs, Tulum is positioned to deliver hydrogen at levelized costs comparable to conventional grey hydrogen, while achieving up to 95% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions. 'Tulum's innovative reactor could be a game-changer in geographies where green hydrogen is cost-prohibitive or logistically infeasible,' said Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures. 'Their technology offers superior energy efficiency, smaller land footprint, and compelling economics that meet the immediate needs of heavy industry. By harnessing the potential of turquoise hydrogen, Tulum is well positioned to decarbonize heavy industry and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.' Tulum's unique approach to hydrogen generation is designed to overcome the high costs and infrastructure challenges currently faced by alternative clean hydrogen solutions such as green-hydrogen. Key advantages of its technology include: High efficiency: A projected energy requirement approximately five times more efficient than the best green hydrogen methods Scalability: By repurposing EAF technology that is already widely used at way above 100 MW capacity (i.e. the anticipated power capacity of a full size Tulum commercial plant reactor), Tulum can meet the massive scale of today's existing users of hydrogen such as steel producers, chemical plants, and refineries (in the range of 20 to 200 tons/day and above) Cost competitiveness: Anticipated levelized production costs on par with grey hydrogen and significantly more competitive than other sustainable hydrogen production pathways, even without subsidies or the sale of the valuable carbon co-product Non-catalytic technology: The electric arc is a high-temperature heat source that allows the methane pyrolysis reaction to occur without the technical and operational hurdles that catalytic solutions entail Reduced footprint: Tulum's plants require eight times less land than green hydrogen facilities, enabling on-site production and reducing transportation costs Tulum is led by CEO and Co-founder Massimiliano Pieri, formerly CEO of M2X Energy and an executive at Eni Next, along with CTO Donald Kendrick, previously CTO at methane-pyrolysis company Ekona. Together, they possess valuable expertise in developing and scaling energy technologies. 'We are thrilled to partner with TDK Ventures, whose global reach and technical expertise will be invaluable as we move to pilot and commercial scale,' said Pieri. 'Their investment and belief in us are an equal win for both of our companies. Along with their financial investment comes its famous 'TDK Goodness,' which provides access to various strategic synergies across TDK's power electronics and materials businesses. Similarly, Tulum has the very real potential of expanding TDK's impact in decarbonization, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.' The proceeds from this oversubscribed Seed round will be strategically deployed to construct Tulum Energy's inaugural pilot plant in Pesquería, Mexico, located within the industrial complex of Ternium, Latin America's leading steel company and a part of the Techint Group. About TDK Corporation TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads, software and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2025, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.4 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide. About TDK Ventures TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company's vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as robotics and industrial, next-generation transportation, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: or contact@ About Tulum Tulum Energy is a leading climate-tech startup pioneering advanced methane pyrolysis technology for clean hydrogen production in heavy industrial applications. Built by TechEnergy Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of the Techint Group's Energy Transition Division, the company is dedicated to providing a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to conventional hydrogen production. Tulum Energy is committed to helping industries decarbonize while simultaneously unlocking new value through the commercialization of valuable solid carbon co-products.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TDK Ventures Announces Launch of $150 Million Fund 3 to Catalyze Iconic Companies
TDK Ventures invests globally in early-stage, impact-scaling entrepreneurs, who are creating a new era of sustainability and social value Company's Total Assets Under Management (AUM) reaches $500M USD, contributing to TDK's transformation towards sustainable growth Fund 3 succeeds Fund 2 and continues TDK Ventures' mission to capture actionable learnings in TDK's identified megatrends in new markets/applications and new emerging technologies SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that its corporate venture-capital subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has launched Fund 3, a $150 million commitment to catalyzing the next generation of iconic deeptech startups. Building on Fund 1, Fund 2 and Fund EX1, this milestone increases TDK Ventures' total assets under management to $500 million, reinforcing its position as a global leader in early-stage impact investing. Fund 3 succeeds Fund 2 and will use the same strategy in targeting Seed to Series B early-stage startups. With TDK's deep roots in advanced materials, sensor technologies, and power solutions, TDK Ventures brings technical depth to every investment. Through deep collaborations with TDK's global R&D, manufacturing, and group companies, the firm offers startups a platform to scale faster with less risks. Noboru Saito, President and CEO TDK Corporation, affirmed, "Currently, TDK is working on accelerating two cycles, contributing to the transformation of society based on the long-term vision 'TDK Transformation' and continuously transforming TDK itself, in order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable future. As the world races toward a more sustainable, connected, and intelligent future, TDK Ventures stands at the vanguard of this transformation. Their bold pursuit of breakthrough startups and world-changing technologies exemplifies TDK's venture spirit. Fund 3 reflects our continued confidence in their 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, innovation, and long-term relevance in an ever-evolving technological landscape." Nicolas Sauvage, TDK Ventures President, commented, "At TDK Ventures, our mission is to catalyze iconic companies—visionaries shaping our future through deeptech innovation. With Fund 3, we doubled 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. Fund 3 is not only a vehicle for investment—it's a catalyst for TDK Transformation ambition, fueling both organic and inorganic growth across emerging megatrends that matter to society and the planet." TDK Ventures Fund 3 will deep dive into these strategic areas: AI, Compute, Connectivity – including generative AI, future of data centers, next-generation computing and connectivity/photonics. Materials – including Next-generation materials, nanofabrication and materials circularity. Climate-Tech – including climate mitigation and adaption. Robotics, Manufacturing – including factories of the future, advanced robotics, industrial software/OS, and space and bio manufacturing. Mobility, AgTech, Digital Economy – including electrification of mobility, agriculture and aquaculture, and emerging economy decarbonization. TDK Ventures remains committed to fostering strong global collaborations across its ecosystem, engaging with top-tier VC partners, corporate innovators, and research institutions to drive knowledge exchange and strategic synergies. In addition, the firm continues to provide unparalleled operational and strategic support to its portfolio companies, earning in 2025 a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 88% – achieving a score greater than 80% five years in a row, reflecting the value it continuously delivers to entrepreneurs. If you are building a deeptech company with the ambition to transform industries and uplift humanity, we want to hear from you. To learn more about TDK Ventures, interested startups or investment partners should visit About TDK Corporation TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately "Attracting Tomorrow." It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2024, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide. About TDK Ventures TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company's vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as robotics and industrial, next-generation transportation, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: You can download this text and associated images from: View source version on Contacts TDK Ventures Mr. R. FINELLITDK VenturesSan Jose, CA, USA+1 408 667 Sign in to access your portfolio
