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Devin: What is your superpower?
Eric: My superpower is really the ability to communicate. I'm a marketing person.
Mivium, led by CEO Eric Tsai, is pioneering a new wave in semiconductor technology with gallium nitride (GaN), a material poised to replace silicon in a variety of applications. GaN not only increases efficiency but also reduces energy consumption in devices, a benefit that’s especially valuable as AI and data centers grow in demand. “Our process keeps our production output clean, and we don’t use toxic materials,” Eric explained. This shift addresses the environmental and health issues plaguing traditional semiconductor production.
The company’s unique GaN production technique offers substantial benefits, from fast-switching properties to downsized device components. “GaN has a fast-switching property... and it can perform double as fast and better,” Eric said, adding that it’s currently being used in chargers, with plans to expand into data centers where it can dramatically cut energy usage. These advantages make Mivium’s gallium nitride a significant contender in the drive toward sustainable tech.
In a promising move for both the business and potential investors, Mivium is raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Equifund. This approach allows everyday investors to support groundbreaking tech, which Eric himself champions as a crowdfunding advocate. By sharing Mivium’s journey with the public, he aims to democratize early-stage investment opportunities, giving people a chance to invest in future tech with high social and environmental value.
As Mivium’s crowdfunding progresses, it may inspire tech enthusiasts and impact investors alike to support a cleaner, more efficient semiconductor future.
Explore GaN chargers on Amazon.
tl;dr:
Eric Tsai’s Mivium focuses on gallium nitride (GaN) to replace silicon, improving efficiency and sustainability.
GaN's fast-switching properties make devices smaller, more powerful, and less energy-intensive.
Mivium’s unique, clean GaN production process avoids the toxic materials typical in semiconductors.
Nevada’s tech-friendly policies support Mivium’s plans to establish a new “gallium valley” in Reno.
By crowdfunding, Eric brings everyday investors into Mivium’s journey, making early-stage investing accessible.
How to Develop Effective Communication As a Superpower
Eric’s superpower is his ability to communicate complex ideas in relatable ways. As a seasoned marketing professional, he has mastered the art of translating technical concepts into simple analogies that resonate with diverse audiences, especially in high-tech fields like semiconductors. This skill allows him to bridge gaps in understanding, helping people grasp the value and impact of innovations, even without specialized knowledge.
In today’s episode, Eric shared how he explains the intricate science behind Mivium’s gallium nitride (GaN) technology. Comparing GaN to "flour" for baking, he helps people visualize Mivium’s product as a better alternative to silicon. By presenting the science as an everyday item, he enables audiences to connect with Mivium’s mission. This analogy makes it easier for potential investors and customers to understand GaN’s advantages, such as improved energy efficiency, which contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable tech future.
Tips for Developing Effective Communication as a Superpower:
Think from the Other Person's Perspective: Approach communication by considering the audience's interests and needs. Tailor your message so they feel you genuinely care about them and their concerns.
Use Analogies to Simplify Complex Ideas: Find familiar comparisons, like Eric’s “flour” analogy, to help people understand technical or abstract concepts.
Tell a Compelling Story: Craft your messaging as a narrative. A good story resonates more and helps audiences remember your message.
Conduct Surveys and Gather Feedback: Regularly survey customers and prospects to ensure your message aligns with their needs and experiences, making necessary adjustments to improve clarity.
By following Eric Tsai’s example and advice, you can make effective communication a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Eric Tsai (he/him):
CEO, Mivium, Inc.
About Mivium, Inc.: Mivium develops advanced semiconductor materials to meet the current and future needs of society. We strive to deliver innovative deep-tech solutions by unlocking the true potential of material science.
Website: www.mivium.com
Other URL: invest.equifund.com/offering/mivium/details
Biographical Information: Eric Tsai is Co-Founder and CEO of Mivium, where he leads the overall strategic vision and oversees the entire business. Experienced in building global brands while operating global supply chains, he previously pioneered numerous hyper-growth business innovations for multiple startups to Fortune 100 companies. More recently, he served as the Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for Joybird, a direct-to-consumer brand he helped build from $10M to $200M+ and was later acquired by La-Z-Boy Corporation. During his tenure with the company, he amassed $790M in total revenue for the business. Eric’s work has been featured by Google, Meta, and Pinterest, as well as in publications such as VentureBeat, Forbes, CMO.com, Entrepreneur, and Internet Retailing.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/erictsai/
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We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Note that neither Eric Tsai nor Mivium paid to be a guest on the show. Since recording his episode, Mivium agreed to pay to promote its offering in our newsletter.
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