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Intel’s new helmsman, Lip-Bu Tan, is best known as a seasoned investor and still chairs Walden International. However, as highlighted by Reuters, his investments in China appear more extensive than expected, reportedly covering hundreds of Chinese tech companies.
Stakes in Over 600 Chinese Firms, with $200 million Invested
Reuters indicates that Tan holds control of over 40 Chinese companies and funds, and has smaller stakes in more than 600 others. Notably, the report suggests that Tan funneled at least $200 million into hundreds of Chinese chip and advanced manufacturing firms from 2012 to 2024.
Though some may be uneasy with the situation, others see Tan’s deep experience in China’s startup scene as a major asset for reviving the struggling U.S. chip giant, according to Reuters.
Reuters notes that Tan made these bets through Walden International—his San Francisco-based VC firm founded in 1987—and two Hong Kong holding companies, Sakarya Limited and Seine Limited.
From Semiconductors to Robotics
Among these investments is China’s top foundry SMIC—Tan invested early through Walden in 2001, just a year after its founding, served on its board until 2018, and exited the investment in 2021, as per Reuters.
The Reuters report further details these investment assets, including China Electronics Corporation, a key PLA supplier sanctioned by Trump in 2020. Additionally, two Walden funds own over 5% of Wuxi Xinxiang, a supplier to the U.S.-blacklisted Chinese memory giant YMTC since 2022.
As noted by Reuters, Sakarya controls 38 Chinese firms, including Huaxin Yuanchuang (Qingdao) Investment Management Co., Walden’s main investment entity in China which links Tan to over 500 Chinese companies.
Meanwhile, the report notes that Tan holds stakes in 68 Chinese firms through Seine Limited, which includes Hai Robotics, a haipick robots manufacturer.
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(Photo credit: Intel)
