Global Brain has invested in AirMembrane Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of graphene EUV pellicles, as the lead investor

Global Brain has invested in AirMembrane Corporation (AirMembrane), a developer and manufacturer of graphene EUV pellicles, through its Global Brain Flagship Fund IX as the lead investor. This round of funding was also joined by TAKANAWA GATEWAY Global Co-Benefits Fund L.P. (TAKANAWA Fund) for the first time and Shinhan-GB FutureFlow Fund L.P. (SHGB) for a follow-on investment.

In recent years, the rapid advancement of digital technologies such as AI and autonomous driving is driving up demand for advanced semiconductors worldwide. EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography technology is indispensable for achieving the increasingly fine circuit patterns required in semiconductor manufacturing, and the development of next-generation High-NA EUV lithography is now actively underway. In this lithography process, EUV pellicles-protective components that shield photomasks from particle contamination-are critical components that significantly impact semiconductor yield. However, simultaneously satisfying the conflicting performance requirements of high transmittance, heat dissipation, chemical stability, and mechanical strength poses a significant technical challenge, making the development of products capable of meeting all these requirements highly anticipated worldwide. AirMembrane is working to address this global challenge through its proprietary technology developed at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

AirMembrane leverages its proprietary continuous synthesis and automated transfer technology, developed at AIST, to realize the mass production of graphene EUV pellicles. Its automated transfer process eliminates microscopic defects, enabling high-quality graphene thin films to be formed into pellicles without degradation. The funds raised in this round will be used to build manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the recruitment of engineers and business professionals in preparation for pilot production and the launch of mass production lines.

Global Brain has decided to invest in AirMembrane, recognizing the technical advantages of its proprietary graphene continuous synthesis and automated transfer process, the globally expanding market potential for next-generation EUV lithography components, and the execution capability of the management team behind a concrete roadmap toward the launch of mass production lines. Through this investment, Global Brain will actively support AirMembrane in building its mass production infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with domestic and international business partners.

Note: Global Brain announced its investment in AirMembrane through SHGB in August 2024.
https://globalbrains.com/en/posts/invested-in-airmembrane

Venture capitalists in charge: Keita Arai / Naoki Horie