MetaRAM Inc., is shutting its doors, according to a report from VentureWire. San Jose-based MetaRAM was working on a chip set that could double or quadruple the capacity on a dual in-line memory module without moving to more expensive DRAM chips.

Another firm, Evident Technologies Inc., this week announced a filing in a Chapter 11 reorganization. Founded in 2000, Evident (Troy, N.Y.) develops and commercializes technology based on semiconductor nanocrystals and quantum dots.

Last week, as had been rumored, programmable logic startup CSwitch Corp. ceased operations and is looking to be acquired.

Top venture capitalists say the costs of bringing a new processor or system-on-chip to market are becoming prohibitive. It's not the end of the line for semiconductor startups, but opportunities are changing and narrowing. And raising new funds to invest in high tech companies of any kind is getting increasingly difficult.

Take MetaRam. It had raised funding from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Intel Capital, Khosla Ventures and Storm Ventures. Now, it is shutting down, according to VentureWire, citing co-founder and CEO Suresh Rajan as its source.

Another firm, Evident, is one of the first companies to commercialize products based on semiconductor nanotechnology and has launched commercial products in LED and lighting, military and life science markets.

This week, Evident announced a filing in Chapter 11 reorganization and has asked the bankruptcy court in Albany, N.Y. to approve a debtor in financing package of $1.35 million.

The filing was prompted by Evident's inability to continue paying the exorbitant costs associated with a patent infringement case brought on by a large California-based life science company. The promise of substantial debtor in possession financing triggered by a Chapter 11 filing was another driving reason for the bankruptcy filing.

During the Chapter 11, Evident will operate under current management and continue research in nanotechnology and pursuit of commercialization of its patented technology. Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code allows companies to reorganize under the bankruptcy laws of the US if they are unable to service their debt. Evident has developed a plan with major creditors for operating the company going forward.

By: DocMemory
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