SE Startup Funding: Q2 2026
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2026 7:10 am
Investors kept pouring money into AI hardware startups in the second quarter of 2026. While companies focused on chips for AI data centers have largely dominated the funding over the past year, startups creating edge silicon re-emerged this quarter as investors see the appeal of physical AI and real-time on-device applications. However, large-scale AI infrastructure chips and other attendant aspects, such as faster data movement and higher voltage power semiconductors, still drew the bulk of the AI funding. Quantum, too, had a particularly successful quarter, with 21 companies raising funds, six of which drew $100 million or more. Different qubit modalities were well represented, with superconducting hardware joined by spin-based, neural atom, and ion trap approaches. Cryogenic control electronics, quantum chip test, and networking also saw funding. There were a plethora of large rounds during the quarter: 18 companies reached or exceeded $100 million, including numerous early-stage rounds. The quarter also saw innovative inspection technologies, a new Malaysian OSAT, a fresh infusion of government cash for Rapidus, and much more in this look at 80 companies that collectively raised over $6 billion in Q2 2026.
Source: https://semiengineering.com/startup-funding-q2-2026/
- Summary table
- Chips
- AI hardware
- EDA & design
- Manufacturing & equipment
- Test, measurement & inspection
- Analog & mixed signal
- Power devices
- Photonics & optics
- Sensors
- Previous reports
Source: https://semiengineering.com/startup-funding-q2-2026/