ASML: Competing with Moore’s Law - [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY]

ASML: Competing with Moore’s Law - [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY]

From Business Breakdowns by Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts

March 6, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

This episode explores ASML's role in the semiconductor industry and its technological advancements.

This conversation was originally released in June of 2023. Today we return to the semiconductor value chain with one of the most important companies in modern technology: ASML. The company began life as an unwanted spin-out from Philips with no real product and little expectation of success. Today, it builds the only machines capable of manufacturing the most advanced chips in the world. To break down ASML, I’m joined by Tom Walsh, portfolio manager at Baillie Gifford. Tom walks through how photolithography works, what’s happening inside an extreme ultraviolet machine, and how a small Dutch company came to dominate one of the most complex technologies ever built. This breakdown pairs very well with our breakdowns on AMD, Qualcomm and Cadence. And I'd also highlight the Founders Podcast episode #8 on the Intel Trinity. Please enjoy this breakdown of ASML. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at ⁠colossus.com/subscribe⁠. ----- This…

People in this episode

Guest: Tom Walsh

Topics covered

  • semiconductors
  • photolithography
  • extreme ultraviolet machines
  • technology
  • business breakdowns

Keywords

  • ASML
  • semiconductor value chain
  • photolithography
  • extreme ultraviolet
  • chip manufacturing

Sponsors

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ASML, Baillie Gifford, Philips, AMD, Qualcomm, Cadence

Books & works: Founders Podcast episode #8

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