techcrunch.com 11 days ago URGENCY: 6/10

Eclipse Ventures: $2.5B Win Sparks New Tech Era

Eclipse Ventures' $2.5 billion return from Cerebras Systems marks a pivotal moment in tech investment. Discover how this success is reshaping the focus on physical-world technology and its potential for future growth.

Share
Eclipse Ventures: $2.5B Win Sparks New Tech Era

A New Era for Physical-World Tech

Eclipse Ventures, founded by Lior Susan in 2015, has transformed from a niche player into a major force in the tech industry. Their early investment in Cerebras Systems, totaling $147 million, has yielded a staggering $2.5 billion return following the company's IPO. This success underscores a significant shift in investor sentiment towards physical-world technology, which is now seen as a lucrative frontier beyond traditional software.

The firm’s strategy is rooted in the belief that 85% of global GDP is linked to the physical world. As a result, Eclipse has expanded its portfolio to include sectors like robotics, energy, and defense, which collectively raised nearly $15 billion last year. This momentum is indicative of a broader trend where investors are increasingly recognizing the value of hardware and its integration with software.

  • Key highlights from Eclipse's recent success include:
  • $1.2 billion raised for Wayve
  • $650 million for True Anomaly
  • $270 million for Bedrock Robotics
  • $200 million for Oxide Computer
These figures reflect a growing confidence in the physical tech sector, suggesting that the future of investment may lie in tangible innovations rather than solely in software solutions.