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KT Venture Group--The Corporate VC Partner Of KLA-Tencor--Appoints New General Partner To Support Increased Investment Activity
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SAN JOSE, Calif., Apr. 30, 2002 - KT Venture Group, LLC, the investment partner of KLA-Tencor Corp. (Nasdaq: KLAC), today announced it has appointed Mahesh Krishnamurthy to serve as general partner. Krishnamurthy, who brings 14 years of experience to his new role, is chartered with managing the group's investments in early-stage start-up companies within the microelectronics sector, including the semiconductor manufacturing and service technology, microelectromechanical (MEMS), photonics manufacturing and capital equipment, nanotechnology and biochip markets.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Mahesh to KT Venture Group, where we expect to draw on his expertise to support our investment initiatives and charter. With his technical depth and business acumen, Mahesh has the skills to play a vital role in enhancing and building upon the solid foundation we have created here," said Robert Lee, general partner and founding member of KT Venture Group.

Krishnamurthy comes to KT Venture Group from Idanta Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund in San Diego, where he was responsible for executing a number of investments in the semiconductor, telecommunications and software industries. Prior to Idanta, Krishnamurthy worked at AT&T Labs, McKinsey and Company, and Honeywell, Inc. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the University of Wisconsin, respectively, along with a master's degree in business administration from Stanford University. Krishnamurthy has served on the board of directors for Alventive Inc., Engineous Software, Teradiant Networks and ViaGate Technologies. He also sits on the board of directors for IIT Bombay Heritage Fund.

"KT Venture Group has been very active in identifying companies that hold the potential to make this industry reach new heights with cutting-edge technologies," continued Lee. "In addition to capital, we strive to bring unique added value to these promising candidates, offering our expertise and
long-standing history to help them understand how to navigate through this cyclical and dynamic market--putting them on the fast track to maturity and long-term success."

Established in late 2000, KT Venture Group employs a unique venture capital model that leverages its affiliation with KLA-Tencor and combines the benefits of a corporate VC fund with the flexibility and independent decision-making advantages of private VC structures. Adhering to a rigorous and extensive selection process, KT Venture Group is responsible for exploring and investing in early- to mid-stage start-up companies in the semiconductor manufacturing and services sectors, as well as other related emerging microelectronics markets in which KLA-Tencor's technology and expertise in process control and yield management can provide unique value. The fund's current portfolio includes Angstron Systems, Innovion, NanoNexus and Molecular Imprints.

"KT Venture Group's in-depth understanding and experience in both the technologies and markets within the semiconductor industry is truly unmatched in the venture community," stated Ray Krummen, president and CEO of Innovion. "In addition, KT Venture Group's affiliation with KLA-Tencor has helped us to gain instant credibility with our customers, investors and suppliers."

"KT Venture Group has been invaluable in providing proven technical and business strategies during this critical early stage of our start-up," added Tony Chiang, president and founder of Angstron Systems. "They have far exceeded our expectations in adding unique and tangible value to our organization."

About KT Venture Group, LLC: KT Venture Group is the investment partner of KLA-Tencor, a leader of process control and yield management solutions. Headquartered in San Jose, the venture capital group was the first of its kind established by a company within the semiconductor equipment sector. The group combines the private VC-like structure and execution with unique corporate VC benefits.

About KLA-Tencor: KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related industries. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the company has sales and service offices around the world. An S&P 500 company, KLA-Tencor is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol KLAC.

Contact:
Meggan Powers
Director Corporate Communications

 

 

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