AVX invests in venture capital fund

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Fountain Inn’s advanced electronic components manufacturer Kyocera AVX has partnered with early-stage venture capital firm Good Growth Capital to complement its existing research and investments in the S.C. medical technology industry.

Good Growth Capital specializes in science and deep-tech startups dedicated to data science, green tech and hard science innovation, according to a news release.

The fund has offices in Charleston and Boston, Mass.

Portfolio highlights include home-based and AI-enabled diagnostics, orthopedic device, genetics and small molecules markets, as well as the big data, SaaS, analytics, energy efficiency, renewables, food tech, battery technology, physics and advanced materials sectors.

“Kyocera AVX is excited to announce our investment in Good Growth Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm operating here in our home state of South Carolina and renowned for its proven expertise in finding, assessing, and cultivating complex local science and technology startups that aim to have a positive effect on humanity,” Johnny Sarvis, CEO of Kyocera AVX, said in the release. “This investment provides Kyocera AVX with abundant opportunities to further support the flourishing tech industry both here in the Carolinas and nationwide by investing through GGC and exploring co-investments, especially within segments of the med-tech industry that complement our existing R&D programs within the Kyocera Group globally.”

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera, Kyocera AVX has a global footprint comprised of several dozen research, development and manufacturing facilities across more than 15 countries. The company develops, manufactures and supplies advanced capacitors, antennas, circuit protection and timing devices, sensors and other tech used in the international 5G, IoT, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, industrial, medical and military markets.

“Combining our sourcing and commercialization expertise with Kyocera AVX’s manufacturing acumen creates a powerful synergy,” Amy Salzhauer, managing partner of Good Growth Capital, said in the release. “We are very hands on in terms of helping our companies grow, and we see significant value in building a strong relationship with such a proven manufacturing partner.”