Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is the world's largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang, TSMC revolutionized the semiconductor industry by being the first foundry to focus solely on manufacturing semiconductors for other companies. With its innovative approach and advanced technologies, TSMC has become a critical player in global chip manufacturing, serving industries from electronics and automotive to artificial intelligence and telecommunications.
TSMC's cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing capabilities enable it to produce high-performance chips, leading the global market in advanced nodes such as 5nm and 3nm. The company's customer base includes some of the largest tech giants, including Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and AMD, making TSMC an essential part of the global supply chain for critical electronics. With a market capitalization of over $550 billion in 2024, TSMC is a significant contributor to the global semiconductor industry, enabling technological innovation and powering modern devices worldwide.
CEO and Founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, is widely regarded as a pioneer in the semiconductor industry. He established TSMC in 1987 with a vision to create the world’s first pure-play semiconductor foundry, allowing companies to outsource their chip manufacturing without the need for in-house fabrication. Chang's leadership and foresight enabled TSMC to become a dominant player in the semiconductor manufacturing market. Chang served as the CEO until 2018, playing a key role in shaping the company’s technological advancements and strategic direction. In 2018, C.C. Wei succeeded him as CEO, continuing the company's legacy of innovation and growth. Under Chang’s guidance, TSMC has become a cornerstone of the global technology ecosystem.
List of Top Subsidiaries and Companies Under TSMC
Over the years, TSMC has expanded its reach by acquiring or collaborating with several subsidiaries and companies that help it maintain its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.
| Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSMC China | 2003 | $10 Billion | Semiconductor Manufacturing |
| WaferTech | 1996 (Acquired) | $2 Billion | Semiconductor Manufacturing |
| TSMC Arizona | 2020 | $12 Billion | Semiconductor Manufacturing |
| VisEra Technologies | 2003 (Joint Venture) | $1.5 Billion | Semiconductor Technology |
| Global Unichip Corporation | 1998 | $1 Billion | Semiconductor Design Services |
FAQs About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
Q1: When was TSMC founded, and by whom?
A: TSMC was founded in 1987 by Morris Chang, a visionary in the semiconductor industry who pioneered the concept of the pure-play foundry model.
Q2: Who is the current CEO of TSMC?
A: The current CEO of TSMC is C.C. Wei, who took over the leadership role in 2018 after Morris Chang’s retirement.
Q3: What is TSMC’s primary business?
A: TSMC is the world’s largest dedicated semiconductor foundry, specializing in manufacturing high-performance chips for major tech companies such as Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm.
Q4: What are TSMC’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing nodes?
A: TSMC is at the forefront of semiconductor technology, producing chips at advanced nodes, including 5nm and 3nm, which are critical for high-performance computing and AI applications.
Q5: How significant is TSMC in the global semiconductor industry?
A: TSMC plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor industry, accounting for over 50% of the world’s market share in semiconductor manufacturing. It is considered the backbone of the global electronics supply chain.
Q6: What are TSMC's key subsidiaries?
A: TSMC's key subsidiaries include TSMC China, WaferTech, and TSMC Arizona, all of which contribute to the company’s global semiconductor production capacity.
