Irvine-based chipmaker Mobix Labs Inc., which focuses on next-generation 5G wireless communications, has named longtime industry executive Jim Aralis as chief technology officer, in the latest addition from Microsemi Corp. alumni.
Mobix, formed in 2020, is one of the most closely watched tech startups in Orange County.
OC business giant Jim Peterson, who once served as chief executive and chairman of Aliso Viejo-based chipmaker Microsemi before its 2018 sale, is the executive chairman of Mobix Labs.
“It’s important to know that we are building teams here at Mobix Labs based on talent and work experience rather than pedigree,” CEO Fabian Battaglia told the Business Journal on June 2.
“Many of us have worked together previously, which becomes an even greater benefit and enables a seamless integration.”
Newly minted CTO Aralis echoed that sentiment.
“It’s not so much we came from Microsemi, the team has been working together in the same circles for more than 20 years,” Aralis said.
“We really have created meaningful relationships over our careers and will leverage our collective experience with out-of-the-box thinking that will help grow Mobix Labs into one of the leading connectivity providers in the world.”
5G, Cables
In technical terms, Mobix calls itself “a global connectivity solutions provider for wireless mmWave 5G and wired high-bandwidth cable networks.”
Mobix Labs also develops hybrid active optical cables, transceivers and optical engines for the data center, home entertainment and consumer electronics markets.
Following the Microsemi sale, Aralis was a consultant, adviser and board member of several tech companies and philanthropic organizations.
“His experience and skill set are an ideal fit, as the company integrates strategic acquisitions, develops next-generation products and embarks on a new funding round,” Battaglia said.
Other Microsemi alumni with Mobix labs include Phil Sansone, VP of sales, and board member Rick Goerner.
Aralis plans to work closely with prior CTO Alex Gorbachov, who will stay as a senior fellow for RF systems and architecture.
Aralis previous served in leadership roles at several integrated circuit manufacturers, including Hughes Aircraft, Silicon Systems, Texas Instruments, and Maxim Integrated, where he established and built its design center in Irvine.
‘Pedigreed Chip Startup’
The new CTO, who holds several patents, has been developing analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits and related software for more than 40 years.
“I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to join an emerging, pedigreed chip startup with customer traction, growing sales and such a talented, deep management team,” Aralis said.
Battaglia in April forecasted 2022 revenue at more than $13 million, and said the company was aiming to line up another financing round of $30 million.
“Everything is going according to plan as we continue with our current raise, while we explore more options for future funding, whether it is from private equity or the public markets,” said Battaglia, updating the financing information on June 2.
“Our focus continues to be on growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. We are seeing an uptick in activity across both our optical cable and chips divisions due to worldwide demand for broadband and wireless 5G networks.”
Mobix Labs is always looking for acquisitions that make sense for the business, such as most recently with St. Cloud, Minn.-based Advanced Interconnect Technologies, a manufacturer serving the defense, air and space industries, according to Battaglia.
