Member Spotlight: Qualcomm Ventures
For this deep dive, we spoke to Quinn Li, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Qualcomm Ventures.
Tell us about your firm. What makes it different?
For over 25 years, Qualcomm Ventures has been a driving force for innovation, empowering visionary entrepreneurs to revolutionize industries. Our firm distinguishes itself through unparalleled access to Qualcomm’s cutting-edge technology, deep-tech insights, and an extensive global network. Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless technology, has spearheaded advancements from 3G to 5G and beyond. Our high-performance semiconductors, integrated processors and extensive patent portfolio enable intelligent, connected experiences across mobile, automotive, IoT, and AI markets. Qualcomm’s innovations are pivotal in shaping the future of AI and connectivity. This unique combination allows us to offer our portfolio companies the technology insights, resources, and support they need to scale their businesses and drive innovation. Additionally, our dedication to fostering long-term partnerships and our focus on transformative technologies makes us an invaluable partner for founders aiming to make a significant impact in their industries.
What defines your portfolio?
Our portfolio is characterized by its diversity and emphasis on transformative technologies. We invest in early to growth-stage companies across a wide range of sectors, including AI, automotive, cloud and enterprise, and IoT. We have a proven track record of investing in category leaders that are disrupting industries, such as Zoom, SentinelOne, Ring, Xiaomi, Hugging Face, and Anthropic. With over $2 billion in assets under management and more than 150 active companies across seven geographies, each investment is strategically aligned with Qualcomm’s mission to enable intelligent computing everywhere and drive innovation across industries. By supporting companies at the forefront of technological advancements, we aim to foster a future where intelligent, connected experiences are ubiquitous.
Tell us about the current VC landscape in your geography/region.
At Qualcomm Ventures, we have extensive knowledge of the venture capital landscape across various regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, India, Israel and China. These regions leverage their deep tech expertise and innovative spirit to drive growth. Globally, there is a significant amount of dry powder, with VCs holding substantial capital reserves, and a steady increase in IPO and M&A activity, indicating a healthy exit environment for startups. We are actively looking to invest in companies pioneering advancements in AI, automotive, IoT, cloud and enterprise, and other transformative technologies that align with Qualcomm’s mission to enable intelligent computing everywhere. These trends highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of the global VC landscape, with each region contributing uniquely to the broader innovation ecosystem.
What are the benefits of being an NVCA member?
Being a member of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) offers numerous benefits. As a corporate VC, it enhances our visibility among other investors, boosting our ability to connect and collaborate. NVCA membership grants us access to exclusive industry research and data, helping us stay informed about significant trends and policies impacting the investment landscape. The policy advocacy efforts of NVCA ensure that the interests of the venture capital community are well-represented, fostering a favorable environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Networking opportunities at NVCA events allow us to share insights and explore potential partnerships. Additionally, participation in specialized working groups and exclusive events enhances our thought leadership and visibility in the industry.
What’s ahead for your firm?
Looking ahead, we believe generative AI will serve as the new user interface for computing devices, making AI more accessible and enhancing immediacy, reliability, personalization, and privacy. Our mission in 2025 remains steadfast: to help founders scale their businesses by providing unparalleled access to Qualcomm’s cutting-edge technology, deep insights, and extensive network. We are enthusiastic about the innovations that 2025 will usher in and remain dedicated to advancing Qualcomm’s strategy of enabling intelligent computing everywhere, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of technology leaders.
