I knew a guy who was a technical advisor to Intel Capital (worked at Intel). They're not there to diversify, they use capital to advance their existing business

I knew a guy who was a technical advisor to Intel Capital (worked at Intel). They're not there to diversify, they use capital to advance their existing business strategy in key markets. They often take stakes in companies that Intel are partnering with on technical projects in order to gain some level of insight, control, and eventually to acquire the company if there's a strategic argument for it. For example, a company might be developing some cool new IP that Intel is considering licensing or is licensing. Intel Capital will take a stake in the company, and then eventually might consider acquiring the company if they want to corner the technology or think it's cheaper than a long term licensing agreement.