Intel defies market gloom with $60 million VC investments

Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of the semiconductor giant announced eight new investments worth over $60 million.

Most of the money is going to U.S start-ups, but one European company, Internet Mall, an online retail specialist in the Czech Republic has won Intel’s backing.

Internet Mall, which also has operations in Germany, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, runs more than 45 electronic-shops in the region with 1,200 product categories ranging from consumer electronics to sporting equipment.

During 2007, Intel Capital hosted 78 Intel Capital Technology Days. These are local, structured matchmaking events that typically bring together ten portfolio companies with Global 2000 industry executives for a day of introductions, customer briefings, technology presentations and demostrations.

In the first quarter of this year, Intel Capital invested $83 million in 36 deals worldwide, including 10 new deals. Approximately 81 percent was invested in companies based outside North America.