SixSense Raises $8.5M for AI Semiconductor Defect Detection Platform
Singapore-based deep tech startup SixSense has successfully closed an $8.5 million Series A funding round, bringing its total capital raised to approximately $12 million. The investment, led by Peak XV’s Surge, with significant contributions from Alpha Intelligence Capital, FEBE, and other investors, underscores a growing confidence in AI-driven solutions for the critical semiconductor manufacturing sector.
Founded in 2018 by engineers Akanksha Jagwani (CTO) and Avni Agrawal (CEO), SixSense is addressing a persistent challenge in chip production: the swift and accurate detection of defects. Despite the semiconductor industry’s reputation for precision, traditional inspection processes often remain manual, subjective, and struggle to scale with the increasing complexity and miniaturization of chips. Engineers frequently spend hours sifting through vast amounts of production data, from defect images to equipment signals, to identify anomalies and their root causes. By the time a problem is pinpointed, thousands of defective chips, representing significant financial losses, may have already been produced.
SixSense’s AI-powered platform transforms this paradigm by converting raw production data into real-time, actionable insights. The platform automatically analyzes defect images, classifying hundreds of defect types with up to 99% accuracy, and makes instant pass/fail decisions for production lots. Critically, it also boasts a “crystal ball mode” that learns patterns to predict impending machine failures, enabling manufacturers to proactively address issues before they lead to costly disruptions. Designed for process engineers, the no-code platform can be set up in as little as two days, allowing factory teams to fine-tune and deploy AI models without needing specialized data science expertise.
The impact of SixSense’s technology on the factory floor is substantial. The company reports that its solutions have led to a 30% faster production cycle, a 1-2% increase in yield by preventing the rejection of functional chips, and a remarkable 90% reduction in manual inspection efforts for some customers. These improvements are vital in an industry where even a marginal increase in yield can translate into millions of dollars in savings. SixSense’s platform is already utilized by major manufacturers like GlobalFoundries and JCET, having processed over 100 million chips. It integrates seamlessly with existing inspection equipment, covering over 60% of the global market.
The timing of this funding round is particularly strategic given the current landscape of global semiconductor manufacturing. With geopolitical shifts prompting significant investments in new fabrication facilities in Southeast Asia, India, and the United States, SixSense is well-positioned to capitalize on this expansion. Many of these new facilities are being built without legacy systems, making them more amenable to adopting AI-native approaches from day one, giving companies like SixSense a competitive edge over traditional inspection equipment that requires retrofitting.
The investors in this round bring significant expertise. Peak XV’s Surge, known for its accelerator program, provides early-stage startups with capital, community, learning, and commitment, including mentorship and operational support. Alpha Intelligence Capital is a global venture capital fund specifically focused on deep AI/Machine Learning technology companies, investing in Series A to Series E stages across various industries, including manufacturing. FEBE Ventures, which stands for “For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs,” is a global seed-focused VC firm led by ex-founders, emphasizing quick, founder-friendly decision-making and operational advice. This collective backing signals strong confidence in SixSense’s technology and its potential to revolutionize chip quality control.
As the semiconductor industry continues its relentless pursuit of smaller, more powerful, and defect-free chips, AI-driven solutions like those offered by SixSense are becoming indispensable. The company’s focus on empowering process engineers with intuitive, no-code tools for real-time defect detection, root cause analysis, and predictive maintenance positions it as a key player in shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring higher quality, faster production, and a more resilient supply chain.