Embedded software company, EmbedUR Systems, headquartered in the United States with a presence in Chennai, has announced its plans to significantly expand its footprint in India. The company is set to invest Rs 500 crore over the next five years.
Founded in 2004, embedUR makes software products for embedded systems that have applications across areas including smart healthcare devices, smart meters, smart automotives, industrial HVACs and others. EmbedUR has been actively investing in India since 2008. In the last two years alone, the company has invested over Rs 150 crore in its Chennai facility.
The embedded systems market is poised for substantial growth due to technological advancements and the rise in sales of smart devices, wearables and automation in industries. Markets in India and Asia are expected to witness significant expansion, driven by affordability, widespread use of electronic components and increasing adoption of connected technologies in sectors like automotive, consumer electronics and healthcare.
In the initial phase of this investment, EmbedUR will allocate Rs 100 crore in 2024 to bolster their expertise in new technologies, including AI and Edge Computing. The company’s plans include infrastructure development, innovation acceleration, expanding market reach and increasing their workforce, with Chennai as the central hub. Rajesh C Subramaniam (RCS), Founder & CEO of EmbedUR, shares more on this growth plan with IE.
IE: How do you find the Indian market with the thrust on Make in India?
RCS: Ours is a highly complex and niche product. Our customers are keen on the Make in India thrust and we are partnering and enabling them on this journey. The Asia Pacific region is continuing to grow too. With our presence in Chennai, we will be able to offer the quality solution at lower costs. The talent pool here in Tamil Nadu is very sophisticated. We infact, hire from many colleges down south.
IE: With the announced Rs 500 crore investment, are acquisitions on the card?
RCS: We will begin with Rs 100 crore investment in 2024 and as we grow, we want to continue the investment every year. We may even increase it, if needed.
We highly value our company culture where we encourage every employee to grow along with us. Even our recruitment interviews focus on the ability of the candidate to integrate with the culture. In this scenario, acquisitions are currently not the focus.
IE: As a company run purely on private funding, how has your journey been so far?
RCS: Very tough, but also very gratifying. I believe one has to make decisions really fast and if it doesn’t work in favour, will have to correct it right away. This ability to adapt on the go is very important. We have been profitable every year since founding. This is because we are disciplined and financially responsible. When I hear my employees say they are married, bought a house, got a car, I feel happy and at the same time more responsible.
IE: Do you foresee becoming a semiconductor manufacturer down the line?
RCS: When we decided to start this company, we were fully sure not to go into the hardware part as it is capital intensive. We are enablers and we are hugely successful in what we do. If we find certain niches where we can make a difference, then we may do something in a smaller scale first.
IE: Your views on India getting into semiconductor manufacturing…
RCS: Chip facbrication is the hardest part as it requires huge investment and has a long waiting period. It took the US almost 10 years to do. I do believe India will get there, but we should be optimistic that it happens sooner rather than later.
