Private capital manager Ardian has raised €1bn for its first dedicated semiconductor investment platform, attracting significant commitments from Middle Eastern investors amid growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The Ardian Semiconductor platform comprises approximately €700m in fund commitments alongside co-investment capital and was established in partnership with specialist investment firm Silian Partners. Investors from the Middle East and North Africa accounted for around 40% of the capital raised, followed by French investors.

The Europe-focused strategy targets companies across the semiconductor value chain, including chip design, manufacturing and testing equipment. The fund has already invested in four European businesses and will also consider opportunities in North America and Asia, with demand driven by AI, robotics, smart vehicles and other advanced technologies.

Ardian, which manages or advises approximately $200bn across private equity, real assets and credit, is reportedly expanding its exposure to the semiconductor industry as demand for specialist chips increases. The fundraising also highlights the growing importance of Middle Eastern institutional capital in supporting technology-focused private markets strategies.