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Synopsis
| IMOS is a seminconductor startup,
with disruptive transistor technology that allows for the
increase in density of transistors on a chip without exponentially
increasing the heat generated. This is a problem that the
semiconductor industry has struggled with for the last three
decades! By reducing static power dissipation by three orders
of magnitude, IMOS solves the heat problem and increases chip
performance by up to 30%. IMOS is well posed to make an impact
on the semiconductor industry, particularly in power and performance
sensitive products. IMOS plans to make headway as an intellectual
property startup, licensing its technology to foundries, semiconductor
manufacturers and fabless semiconductor companies. |
Discussion
questions
1. Analyze the team, the opportunity, the
context and deal for IMOS using Sahlman's model in Figure
7.3. In your opinion, what is the greatest risk for IMOS?
2. IMOS anticipates the need for three major rounds of funding.
What types of investors should they approach for this funding?
Venture capital? Corporate sponsorship? Put yourself in the
shoes of a potential investor. If IMOS came to you with their
business plan, what are the main questions you will ask?
3. The upfront licensing cost for IMOS technology is a hefty
$1.5M. As head of sales at IMOS, how will you go about winning
your first customer? How will you go about justifying the
cost of your license agreement? As a young and small startup,
how can you convince your earliest customers that your company
will last as long as the 5-year term agreement you are selling
to them?
4. Your major competitors (Intel, IBM and AMD) may very well
be possible customers or potential partners. Like IMOS, they
have all been developing technology to reduce static leakage
problem, but perhaps with less success. What will be your
strategy in working / competing against them?
5. IMOS has chosen to be an intellectual property startup
to leverage its core competencies and to reduce fixed and
variable costs. If IMOS is unable to establish licensing contracts
for its IP, it plans to become a product based company. In
this case, flesh out a product line and a brief marketing
strategy for your products. |
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