SEMIFIVE, a prominent design solution provider based in Seoul, South Korea, has officially initiated its preliminary application for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Korea Exchange (KRX). This move, announced on July 17, 2025, marks a significant step in the company’s journey towards listing on the KOSDAQ, a market known for tech-focused enterprises.
The company, founded in 2019, has experienced remarkable growth, raising approximately KRW 240 billion from notable investors such as Pavilion Capital, a subsidiary of Temasek, along with Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Korea Investment Partners, Korea Development Bank, and Doosan Tesna. In just five years, SEMIFIVE achieved annual revenue of KRW 111.8 billion in 2024, leading sales among Samsung Electronics’ official Design Solution Partners (DSPs) in the system semiconductor sector.
Innovative Design Solutions and Revenue Growth
At the core of SEMIFIVE’s success is its proprietary, automation-driven System on Chip (SoC) design platform. This platform allows the company to navigate the entire system semiconductor value chain—from the initial design phase through to mass production and intellectual property (IP) management. The integrated approach has not only bolstered SEMIFIVE’s revenue pipeline but also facilitated collaborations with leading Korean AI fabless companies, including FuriosaAI and Rebellions.
Through these partnerships, SEMIFIVE has been co-designing and mass-producing specialized AI and high-performance computing (HPC) chips, establishing a steady revenue base. The company has also expanded its reach, securing projects with clients such as HyperAccel, Mobilint, and XCENA. Furthermore, SEMIFIVE is enhancing its international presence, winning new design contracts from customers located in the U.S., China, and Japan.
In the IP sector, SEMIFIVE maintains a strong revenue stream through its wholly owned subsidiary, Analog Bits. This subsidiary is recognized globally for its low-power mixed-signal IP, supplying essential components like clocking, sensors, and SERDES to major foundries including TSMC, Samsung Foundry, and Intel. By incorporating these IPs into its SoC platform, SEMIFIVE enhances design efficiency and product differentiation.
Global Expansion and Future Aspirations
With a workforce exceeding 400 employees, SEMIFIVE has established regional hubs across various countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, Vietnam, India, and the Czech Republic. This global network aims to improve local customer engagement and provide technical support, which is critical in today’s interconnected market.
The company is also significantly increasing its research and development investment to maintain its competitive edge. One of its key projects is the development of ‘Premier’, a CPU chiplet platform based on Arm architecture, which is being advanced as an Arm Total Design Partner.
Brandon Cho, the CEO and co-founder of SEMIFIVE, stated, “As AI is applied across a wide range of industries, the demand for ASIC is growing rapidly. Our vision is to become The New Global Hub of Custom Silicon. We are committed to leading innovation in the next-generation ASIC market, playing a pivotal role.”
The upcoming IPO represents a crucial chapter in SEMIFIVE’s ongoing growth and ambition within the semiconductor industry, as it seeks to leverage its innovative capabilities and expand its market influence. As the company prepares for this significant milestone, it will be closely watched by industry analysts and investors alike.
