Analogue Insight: Forging a New Path in Analog Mixed Signal Innovation
UK Semiconductor Starup Series - 1
In the dynamic landscape of semiconductor technology, startups are carving out specialized niches to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Analogue Insight is one such company that is making waves with its focus on analog and mixed-signal design. In an exclusive interview, Christian Borelli, Founder and CSO of Analogue Insight, shared his insights on the company's inception, unique business model, and vision for the future.
Christian Borelli's journey to founding Analogue Insight is rooted in his extensive experience in the semiconductor industry. Originally from Italy, Borelli moved to the UK about a decade ago to work for Socionext Europe, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from his time at STMicroelectronics. The closure of Socionext's UK operations in 2024 served as a catalyst for Borelli to establish his own venture. His passion for analog mixed-signal design, combined with a desire to retain a talented team, led to the birth of Analogue Insight.
“From day one, I didn’t want us to be localized. We wanted to be a global company—the UK was just the right place to start because of the low entry cost and flexibility,” said Borelli.
Analogue Insight operates with a flat organizational structure, allowing for streamlined decision-making and efficient resource allocation. The company's core offerings are built on three pillars: design services, custom IP design, and advanced chiplet development. These pillars enable Analogue Insight to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions, from architectural studies and IP selection to ASIC vendor selection and custom IP development.
Strategic Focus: Customization and Innovation
Analogue Insight's strategic focus is on delivering custom, bespoke IP designs that address specific customer needs. By tailoring IP solutions, the company differentiates itself from competitors offering off-the-shelf products.
Borelli emphasized, “We strongly believe that IP is the differentiator. If we sell off-the-shelf IP, it's very difficult to stand out. But when you create special, customized IP for specific applications—that’s where the difference is made.” This approach not only provides added value to customers but also allows Analogue Insight to compete effectively in the market.
Talent and Expertise
The backbone of Analogue Insight is its team of highly skilled engineers. With backgrounds in microelectronics and decades of experience, these engineers bring a wealth of expertise to the company. Their proficiency in analog and mixed-signal design, combined with Analogue Insight's strategic vision, positions the company as a key player in the semiconductor industry.
Borelli has already explored overseas talent to expand the team, “Our core Team is based in UK, Villach (Austria) and Estonia. We just started in Armenia and we’re building up a new Team in India. It’s about finding the right expertise and good team members wherever it exists.”
Business Model
Analogue Insights is an analog-mixed signal IP company aiming to be a fabless firm to produce its own chiplet in the future. At the current stage, they deliver design services focused on high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuits design and building up the custom IP design business. In the long term, the custom SoC/Chiplets will be based on these IP. “We are excited to start building up our internal IP with a focus on Chiplets. We believe the Chiplet market will be very exciting under the right conditions” explained Borelli.
Global Vision and Strategic Partnerships
The company has set its sights on going global, with a presence in key regions around the world. The company is actively pursuing partnerships with key semiconductor players and foundries across Taiwan, the US, Europe, South Korea, and Japan to access advanced technology and being able to differentiate the product and service offering.
These collaborations are crucial for Analogue Insight's growth and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to a global clientele. Nevertheless, the company is also open on tailoring to customers’ needs and budget if they choose to design their chips on legacy nodes, such as 22-28, or even 40nm, said Borelli.
Fundraising Strategy
As Analogue Insight embarks on its next phase of growth, the company is exploring various fundraising options. While self-funded up to this point, Analogue Insight recognizes the need for additional capital to fuel its expansion and chiplet development initiatives. The company is strategically evaluating innovative loans, angel investments, and venture capital to secure the right partnerships and financial support.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Resilience
Like any startup, Analogue Insight faces its share of challenges, including financial constraints and supply chain disruptions. To mitigate these risks, the company is focused on building strong customer relationships, diversifying its manufacturing partners, and implementing robust supply chain management strategies.
Analogue Insight is poised to make a significant impact on the semiconductor industry with its expertise in analog and mixed-signal design, its commitment to customization, and its global vision. As the company continues to grow and innovate, it is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge solutions and drive advancements in semiconductor technology.
Analogue Insight is one of the 14 UK semiconductor startups visiting Taiwan from June 2 to 6 as part of the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) led by Innovate UK. Sign up to meet Christian Borelli face to face in Hsinchu:
📆 Date: Wednesday, June 4, 1:30 PM
📍 Venue: WSICC - Wei-Shun International Convention Center
📝 Registration: https://lnkd.in/gVMrmyXn
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