IQE’s £81 Million Funding Deal: MACOM Investment Ends Sale Review and Targets AI Chip-Wafer Demand
IQE plc on Monday announced that MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. is putting in £45 million, leading a broader £81 million fundraising round that wraps up a lengthy strategic review. The British supplier of semiconductor wafers had previously explored selling the whole company or certain parts. This is a significant step for IQE, as it provides the company with a way to reduce debt and unlock funds for new investment following a stretch of sluggish performance, swirling takeover rumors, and pressure on its financial position. According to IQE, the money will go toward paying down its $35 million revolving credit line with HSBC, redeeming outstanding convertible loan notes, and backing work involving indium phosphide and gallium nitride—key materials in fast optical