Intel Capital’s Kuppam adds Taiwan, Korea to his Asia portfolio

China will continue to be handled separately by Richard Hsu, also a managing director.

Kuppam joined Intel Capital in 2000 from its parent company, global chip manufacturer Intel, where he was an engineering manager in the technology and manufacturing group. Commenting on the reorganization, he said: "This alignment will allow Intel Capital to better support Intel's strategic objectives to grow and develop key segments, including Ultrabooks, mobiles and tablets."

Intel Capital has executives responsible for sectors on a global basis, who coordinate with their counterparts based in relevant geographical areas. The Taiwan and Korea portfolio was formerly handled by Keith Larson, who was already managing director for the manufacturing sector globally and has since added platform technologies, digital health and cleantech to his responsibilities.

Intel Capital invested $526 million across 158 deals in 2011, with approximately 51% of funds committed to enterprises outside North America. This included a $40 million commitment to 10 Asia companies announced in November and a $20 million investment in six Indian firms in October.

In addition to its global funds run out of the US, the firm has three dedicated Asia vehicles: two China funds worth $200 million and $500 million, respectively, and a $250 million India fund. As of January, the India fund was 80% committed and a successor vehicle is reportedly in the works.

Kuppam previously said that the remainder of the India fund would be used to finance product startups that facilitate the adoption of chips for smartphones and tablet computers manufactured by its parent company, with the education sector a particular area of interest.

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