Vertical Compute has secured a total of 57 million euros in seed funding to tackle AI’s memory bottleneck, a critical challenge as global demand for high-density memory outpaces supply. "It’s like replacing a single-story home with a skyscraper.”
Following an initial 20 million euros raise, the company added 37 million euros from investors including Quantonation, Flanders Future Techfund (PMV), Wallonie Entreprendre, and imec.xpand, alongside non-dilutive grants from VLAIO and BPI France.
In just over a year, Vertical Compute – an imec spin-off – has successfully taped out its first test chip, integrating vertical memory stacks directly on compute logic in a single 300mm wafer process, a milestone validating its disruptive approach.
The memory bottleneck is a growing crisis in AI infrastructure, where traditional 2D memory architectures struggle to keep up with compute demands, driving up costs, energy use, and centralization in hyperscale data centers. "This isn’t just a ‘memory wall’, it’s an industrial turning point", said Sylvain Dubois, co-founder & CEO.
Vertical Compute’s solution stacks memory vertically above logic, slashing data movement from centimeters to nanometers. This 3D integration reduces latency, cuts energy consumption, and eliminates inefficiencies in legacy systems, enabling higher memory density and bandwidth without replacing existing processors.
Delivered via chiplet-based modules, the technology acts as an enabling layer for CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators. "It’s like replacing a single-story home with a skyscraper – orders of magnitude more data, right where it’s needed", explained Sébastien Couet, co-founder & CTO.
The company, now 25-strong, is transitioning from validation to commercial deployment, targeting next-gen AI platforms; from on-device low-power applications to hyperscale data centers.
Backed by deep-tech investors like Quantonation, Eurazeo, and XAnge, Vertical Compute’s breakthrough has drawn praise for its scalability and industrial potential. "This architecture redefines AI’s hardware foundations", said Guilhem de Vregille (XAnge).
With roots in imec’s semiconductor research, the company is positioned to reshape global AI infrastructure, bridging frontier innovation with real-world adoption. Watch the explainer video here.
