Prospects for new low-end (130nm-300nm on 200mm wafers) semi businesses

[Paul2]

Hello SemiWikians,

I've been wondering how ongoing industry changes can open new opportunities for low-end entries.

The conventional wisdom is that the whole industry above 130nm has long been a scorched earth with no prospects of profits for new entrants to survive, and that existing vendors have iron grip on clients. Even very competitive 40nm, and 55nm SOI are getting cheap enough even for a startup company.

Tell me if I'm wrong in light of:

1. New industry outside of China, and associated move in the supply chain
2. Growth in low MOQ market
3. Growth in low end market in general
4. Demand for discrete parts going beyond existing capacity
5. Mid-market segment being saturated by MCUs, and non-performance sensitive ASICs
6. Power electronics