Acer will supply $15 million to be supplemented by $15 million from other investors such as KPMG, Citibank, law firm Gilbert and Tobin and Macquarie Technology Funds Management, which will also act as the fund advisor.
Funding will be weighted toward start-up or established companies "whose products are involved in the same areas as Acer," according to Acer marketing communications manager, Carmella Naval.
Acer's funding will support the development of new products and Acer will take a minority share in supported companies, however these companies will retain independence.
Acer is also prepared to help with manufacturing and distribution, but only if requested and only on a "case-by-case basis." Products targeted will include PC systems, peripherals, semiconductors, communications, software and Internet-related technologies.
Macquarie Technology Funds Management has been inundated with applications for funding and the first successful companies will be announced in three to six months.
