Meet Ali Ozhan Altun, CEO of Unisers. The engineering startup develops a radically new technology to detect and characterize the smallest particles on any wafer type. Ali Ozhan and the other nine Swiss National Technology Team members will fly to Silicon Valley in April.
Name: Ali Ozhan Altun
Location: Zurich
Nationality: Turkey
Education: PhD
Job title: CEO
Number of employees: 23
Money raised: USD 14M
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick 2017
"Do not hesitate to engage potential customers at a very early stage."
Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
We provide a wafer inspection tool which detects and characterizes the tiniest contamination on a wafer. Our product helps the semiconductor industry identify the source of chip-killer contamination, eventually leading to improved manufacturing yields and lower carbon emissions.
What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
Semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) are our main target market. We will also provide to the vendors of fabs providing high purity chemicals, components, and tools.
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
Our startup idea was born during the Pioneer Fellowship program at ETH Zurich, where we were inspired to innovate and collaborate, leading to the development of our impactful concept.
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow and how do you think it will help you achieve your vision?
We expect to improve our readiness level for the next investment round (series A) and get exposed to the Silicon Valley VC ecosystem.
What are your team’s key achievements to date?
We have closed a seed investment round (USD 14M on January 2023) led by Intel Capital. We provided the first alpha tools to the customers and demonstrated the key technical specifications at the customer site.
Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
Our guiding principle as we build our company is to create value for everyone involved – our customers, employees, investors, and community. We believe that by prioritizing their needs and well-being, we can all grow and succeed together.
What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Do not hesitate to engage potential customers at a very early stage.
What is your favorite productivity hack or tool and why?
Hiring the best people is the key.
Tell us something people don't know about you.
One lesser-known fact about me is that I have a knack for understanding Korean TV shows without relying on subtitles.
Do you recommend a podcast or a book you want to share with us?
I'd love to share "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr with you. It's a fantastic book that dives into the art of setting and achieving meaningful goals, both in our personal and professional lives.
