Seamless Semiconductors has developed and demonstrated a proprietary “Switched-Mode Signal Processing (SMSP)” technology that, along with the company’s proprietary digital calibration techniques, enables the design of innovative, high-performance, digital-oriented mixed-signal circuits in highly scaled CMOS processes.
Weren’t expecting that one, were you?
To simplify: they’re targeting the high performance Analog-to-Digital Converter market for the next generation of mobile communication protocols. Founder Jayanth Kuppambatti (‘14SEAS) tells us more about what his company is up to and how they’re putting the Silicon in Silicon Alley.
Tell us about the product.
Seamless Semiconductors is a fabless integrated circuit (IC) design startup which provides high-performance and low power analog and mixed-signal Intellectual Property (IP) for use in complex System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. The solutions provided by Seamless are an order of magnitude better than competitors in terms of performance and power consumption, enabling faster time-to-market and more power-efficient designs for its customers.
How is it different?
Seamless’ IP is based on Switched-Signal Processing (SMSP) Technology. SMSP represents signal information in the time-domain, in contrast to voltage or current domains in conventional analog design techniques. This unique time-domain representation enables SMSP to realize circuits which can achieve performance that’s an order of magnitude better in scaled CMOS technologies when compared to conventional techniques.
What markets are you attacking and how big are they?
Seamless is currently targeting the high performance Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) market for the next generation of mobile communication protocols Long-Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) in smartphones. The total addressable market size for an LTE chipset is close to $1B. Because of the high level of performance made possible by its unique ADC solutions, Seamless expects to achieve revenues in the tensof millions over the course of the next few years.
Do you think New York can become a silicon and engineering hub and live up to its Silicon Alley name?
Absolutely. New York city has the right ingredients required to become a silicon and engineering hub, from the supply of top quality students to other services required by startups like office space, incubators, large groups of angels and VCs.
What is the business model?
Seamless Semi plans to license its high performance ADC IPs for use by its customers in their complex SoCs. Customers will pay Seamless a one-time per product license fee for use of its IP. Since the IP provided by Seamless enables achieving high performance that is currently not in the market, a premium per-use licensing fee can be charged.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
We are currently in the process of putting together a team to develop the high performance ADC IP. Also, Seamless is engaging with business advisors knowledgeable in the field of Silicon IP to help shape its business better and also identify other potential market applications of its SMSP technology. By early next year, Seamless expects to have completed its prototype design so that it can engage with potential customers.
Tell us about your experience with the Columbia Startup Lab thus far and your decision to apply.
With a space filled with budding entrepreneurs, CSL fosters a community environment and a sense of belonging. Besides working on my startup, I have also learnt a lot about other ventures, in fields completely different from mine. This has given me a new perspective and appreciation for the complexity of ventures other than my own.
If you could be put in touch with one investor in the New York community who would it be and why?
Although I do not have a particular investor in mind, it would be great if we could be put in touch with angels who invest in semiconductor startups.
Why are you launching your business in New York?
I did my schooling (PhD) at Columbia University and hence have been in New York City for the past six years. Columbia University provides an excellent support network for its entrepreneurial alumni in terms of talented interns and students. This motivated me to launch the business in New York.
Where’s your favorite happy hour in New York?
The happy hours that happen at WeWork SoHo West have a very relaxed atmosphere where entrepreneurs can get together.
