Case study
Lime Microsystems has developed a new, field programmable RF semiconductor technology that is bringing mobile communications to isolated communities in developing nations.
Fast Facts
Start date: 2005
Website: www.limemicro.com
Market sector: semiconductors
Location: Surrey
Number of employees: 20
Company Successes
January 2006: investment round from ACT Venture Capital and DFJ Esprit
April 2008: first FP-RF transceiver chip created
February 2009: first product commercially available
December 2011: 100th customer secured
March 2013: developed non-profit Myriad-RF initiative to increase access to open-source RF hardware
July 2013: used to create first true open-source base station transceiver: deployed by Rhizomatica to give extremely remote communities mobile network access.
October 2014: partnered with Altera, the leading supplier of Field programmable digital integrated circuits (NASDAQ, ALTR) to provide a complete wireless solution
"The atmosphere within SETsquared enabled me to discuss our plans with others and get feedback, which was valuable SETsquared is good at establishing that kind of environment."
"SETsquared provided useful feedback around pitching for investment. At some points we had weekly meetings, discussing exactly what sort of investors to target, and going through our presentation and getting feedback."
"The SETsquared people had the in-depth experience to help us with our ideas. They also put us in touch with relevant grants: for example, funding from UKTI to attend industry events."
"Sarah De'Lacy, incubation director, was able to bring on board very helpful mentors, and to connect us to key people for advice."
Dr Ebrahim Bushehri, CEO, Lime Microsystems
