Kernel Capital
Company: Kernel Capital
Description: Kernel Capital is a venture capital firm regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, with its headquarters located in Ireland. The firm operates across multiple locations, including Cork, Belfast, and Dublin. Kernel Capital specializes in investments and international M&A engagement with companies that possess rich intellectual property (IP) portfolios and demonstrate innovation in sectors such as silicon chip design, photonics, microfluidics, sensors and systems, and data management, all of which present substantial opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI).
Established in 1999, Kernel Capital has successfully raised €270 million from a diverse group of institutional investors based in Ireland, the UK, and the US, with the Bank of Ireland serving as its strategic partner and largest investor. Additionally, the firm collaborates with various co-investors, including Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, 57 Stars, the University of Limerick Foundation, the Galway University Foundation, and several Irish family offices.
over the years, Kernel Capital has led investments in 80 portfolio companies, helping to create approximately 1,200 jobs through midmarket corporate transactions ranging from €25 million to €125 million in the US, Europe, and Asia. The firm has achieved notable success by completing 25 trade sales, two initial public offerings (IPOs) on the ISEQ and AIM markets, and a selection of management buyouts (MBOs). In total, Kernel Capital has facilitated 250 fundraising efforts for its portfolio of Irish technology companies, raising an impressive €1.5 billion in aggregate.
The firm's astute vision for the potential of each portfolio company, combined with hands-on engagement and meticulous attention to detail, is supported by Kernel Capital's deep and extensive global network. This approach enables Kernel Capital to consistently deliver superior returns to its investors, with multiple fund internal rates of return (IRRs) exceeding 20% gross. The firm's efforts have successfully monetized wealth for both the entrepreneurs of its portfolio companies and its investors, with all realized returns being KPMG audited.
In 2023, Kernel Capital expanded its operations by establishing Kernel Strategic, its boutique mergers and acquisitions (M&A) business. At Kernel Strategic, the focus lies in maximizing the realization value of deep IP companies. The firm is committed to aligning its interests with those of its executives, who invest their own capital on pari passu terms alongside existing investors from the outset of their engagement. Operating under a no win, no fee policy, Kernel Strategic does not impose retainer or expense fees, and it actively targets realization events within an 18-month timeframe.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.kernel-capital.com/
Founded: 1999
Location: Cork
Address: Rubicon Centre, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, IE
Size: 11-50 employees
Direct Contacts
Name: Shaun Baden
Title: Vice President
Email: Direct Email
Company: Kernel Capital
Phone: +353214928974
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Location: Los Angeles, California
Company Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Kernel_Capital