Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of Intel Corp. (INTC), is exploring the sale of its stock in around one-quarter of its 430 portfolio companies, as we discussed earlier this week.
In short, Intel Capital is seeking a buyer for those investments that no longer match up with the current strategic goals of its parent company under CEO Brian Krzanich. The deal could be valued at upwards of $1 billion, with UBS managing the process.
Fortune has now obtained a memo subsequently sent to all Intel Capital portfolio companies by group head Wendell Brooks, in an apparently attempt to soothe nerves. Here it is:
To our portfolio company CEOs,I would like to address the market rumors that Intel Capital is contemplating the sale of a portion of its portfolio investments. Since taking over as President of Intel Capital in November, I have communicated a consistent message. We are going to focus our investing on companies where we can add value; these will be both strategic investments and pathfinding investments.
Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than $11 billion in 1,440 companies in 57 countries. We plan to continue investing at our historical rate, $300 million to $500 million per year. We will look to lead investments in those areas where we can add value to our portfolio companies and create value and learning opportunities for Intel.
As part of my review of the Intel Capital business, I have commissioned a review of our portfolio. This is healthy for the organization. There are investments in our portfolio that are representative of a different investment focus. Provided that we could find a better home for such investments, we would contemplate a sale. We will concentrate our future investments on areas where we are better aligned to bring expertise and perspective.
This review has no impact on investment discussions currently underway. We continue to actively support companies in our portfolio and pursue new investments.
Best Regards,
Wendell
