Syntiant completes $150m buy of Knowles consumer MEMS microphone business
Embedded AI processor and sensor designer Syntiant has completed the acquisition of the consumer MEMS microphone business of Knowles.
The $150m deal is the final step in the restructuring at Knowles first announced in September 2023. The division generated $256m in revenue in 2023.
Syntiant develops hardware and software for edge AI deployment, and the deal indicates a move into AI audio modules. Over 50m purpose-built AI processors and hardware-agnostic models are being deployed globally to power edge AI speech, audio, sensor and vision applications across a wide range of consumer and industrial use cases, from earbuds to automobiles.
The integration of the SiSonic MEMS sensors into Syntiant’s existing hardware-software capabilities provides a total edge AI audio solution that simplifies product development and accelerates time-to-market, while remaining scalable, secure and customizable to fit a wide range of applications says Syntiant.
“The addition of the Knowles CMM business gives Syntiant a leadership position in the rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar MEMS microphone market, while delivering new solutions that combine cutting-edge sensors, processors and high-performance machine learning models, redefining the future of AI-enabled audio and voice interfaces,” said Kurt Busch, CEO of Syntiant.
“As large language models continue to transform industries by enabling advanced natural language understanding and automation, we are accelerating the development of next-generation solutions for autonomous vehicles, smart home devices, industrial automation and beyond. Moreover, this acquisition brings invaluable talent and global customer relationships to Syntiant, reinforcing our ability even further to innovate and scale globally.”
The acquisition was financed through a collaborative effort led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Boardman Bay Capital Management, which provided equity funding, and Structural Capital, which arranged debt financing.
“The shifting global supply chain and the rising demand for chips in emerging technologies like AI have created a significant opportunity for Malaysia to advance in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing value chain,” said Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, managing director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
“Khazanah is committed to supporting Syntiant’s vision for the growth of Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, while the acquisition aligns with our goal of fostering technological advancements in the region and promoting national economic development.”
“We see this acquisition as a pivotal moment that will enable Syntiant to offer unparalleled innovations in intelligent voice and audio solutions,” said Will Graves, chief investment officer at Boardman Bay Capital Management. “Kurt and his team are true visionaries. Our financial commitment reflects Boardman Bay’s deep confidence in their ability to drive the future of edge AI.”
“Syntiant’s commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to empower innovative companies,” said Kai Tse, chief investment officer of Structural Capital. “We believe this deal will accelerate Syntiant’s growth and strengthen its market presence, while further enhancing its ability to deliver transformative solutions across a wide range of industries.”
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