Intel has announced plans to spin off its corporate venture arm, Intel Capital, into a standalone fund, with Intel as an "anchor investor." The move is expected to provide the fund with greater autonomy and flexibility to attract external capital, according to a press release on Tuesday.

Intel Capital, established in 1991, has over $5 billion in assets under management and has invested in over 1,800 companies across various sectors, including silicon, devices, and cloud. The fund has deployed more than $20 billion in capital over the past three decades. In recent years, Intel Capital has increased its investments in AI startups, with notable portfolio companies including AI chip startup SambaNova, Israeli AI company AI21 Labs, humanoid robotics company Figure AI, and AI developer platform Anyscale.

The separation of Intel Capital is seen as a strategic move by Intel to maximize the value of its assets while driving greater focus and efficiency across the business. "The separation of Intel Capital is a win-win scenario as it provides the fund with access to new sources of capital to expand its franchise while allowing both companies to continue benefiting from a productive long-term strategic partnership," said David Zisner, Intel's co-chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in a statement.

The spin-off is expected to provide Intel Capital with the autonomy to make independent investment decisions and attract external capital, allowing it to expand its portfolio and invest in more startups. This move is likely to have a positive impact on the startup ecosystem, as it will provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs to access funding and resources.

The decision to spin off Intel Capital is part of Intel's broader strategy to refocus its business and drive growth. The company has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, including the appointment of a new CEO and the divestment of non-core assets. The spin-off of Intel Capital is seen as a key step in this process, as it will allow the company to focus on its core business while still benefiting from its strategic partnership with the venture arm.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, and it will be interesting to see how Intel Capital evolves as a standalone fund. With its track record of investing in innovative startups, the fund is well-positioned to continue playing a significant role in the startup ecosystem. As the venture capital landscape continues to evolve, Intel Capital's spin-off is likely to have a ripple effect on the industry, and it will be worth watching how other corporate venture arms respond to this move.

This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.