Avogy

Avogy, Inc. operated in the power electronics and semiconductor sector, with a focus on developing Gallium Nitride (GaN) on GaN technology. Founded in 2010 by Isik Kizilyalli and led by CEO and President Dinesh Ramanathan, the San Jose-based company aimed to create power conversion systems that were more efficient, smaller, and lighter than existing solutions. The firm's core business involved the design and in-house fabrication of vertical GaN semiconductor devices, modules, and systems. Avogy managed its own 3,500-square-foot clean room, which allowed for rapid prototyping and volume production of its GaN epitaxial layers and devices.

The company successfully raised a total of $40 million in a Series B funding round in September 2014, led by Intel Capital with participation from Khosla Ventures. This followed a $1.7 million grant from the Department of Energy's ARPA-E program in 2013. The capital was intended to further develop its semiconductor technology and support its go-to-market strategy. Avogy's technology was positioned to serve a broad range of applications, with Intel platforms like Ultrabooks, all-in-ones, and workstations being a strategic focus.

Under its consumer-facing brand, Zolt, Avogy launched the Zolt Laptop Charger Plus. This product was a compact, 70-watt charger capable of powering a laptop and two additional USB devices simultaneously. Marketed as a lightweight and portable alternative to bulky manufacturer-supplied power bricks, the Zolt charger measured just 3.66 inches long and weighed 0.22 pounds. It utilized interchangeable power tips to work with most major laptop brands and featured folding prongs for easy travel. The charger was priced around $99-$100. Reports indicate that Avogy ceased operations, and its intellectual property was acquired by NexGen Power Systems in 2018 for $200,000, a company later co-founded by Avogy's former CEO, Dinesh Ramanathan.

Keywords: GaN on GaN, power electronics, semiconductor, power conversion, Zolt charger, gallium nitride, vertical GaN, power semiconductors, laptop charger, power adapters, Intel Capital, Khosla Ventures, Isik Kizilyalli, Dinesh Ramanathan, power systems, efficient power, portable charger, USB charger, NexGen Power Systems, power supply technology, Zolt Laptop Charger Plus, clean room fabrication