Intel Capital cancels plans for secondary sale

Brooks announced in February that Intel Capital would take a "fresh look" at how it could help portfolio companies beyond financial support. It was subsequently reported that plans were in place to divest one quarter of the portfolio - comprising assets worth up to $1 billion - with a view to concentrating exposure in areas that complemented Intel Corp's expertise, such as the internet of things.

However, Brooks said in a blog post that the review process has concluded and the portfolio containing investments in sectors of strategic and non-strategic importance to Intel Corp. would be retained. "Despite what you may have read or heard, we are not planning any major changes to Intel Capital's portfolio. While, like all investors, we'll continue to actively manage our investments, I intend to keep and support the portfolio I inherited," he said.

There may still be alternations to the team's structure to streamline the investment process and give start-ups exposure to all of Intel Corp's business units. "As part of this process, some team members will be shifting roles, and a few may leave. While I hate to lose good people, some turnover and promotions for exceptional talent will be good for the organization," Brooks added.

Intel Capital made 64 new investments and 79 follow-on investments in 2015, deploying $514 million across 30 countries, while there were 26 exits. Recent Asia-based activity includes a commitment of $67 million to eight Chinese start-ups in September 2015. This was followed two months later by investments in two Greater China-based companies - two of 10 deals unveiled at the Intel Capital Global Summit.

When announcing the review in February, Brooks said Intel Capital planned to continue investing $300-500 million per year, focusing on technologies where Intel Corp. excels. It also wants to play a bigger role in sourcing deals and leading teams of investors that complement what it does.

As of November 2015, Intel Capital had invested a total of nearly $11.6 billion in more than 1,400 companies across 57 countries since 1991. During this period, 213 portfolio companies have achieved public market listings while 377 have been M&A exits.

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