Intel says that it plans to spin off its corporate venture arm, Intel Capital, into a standalone fund, with Intel as an "anchor investor."

Intel Capital has $5 billion in assets and a portfolio of 170 companies. Intel says it will remain an "anchor investor."

Intel Capital on Tuesday said it will split off from its chipmaking parent, into a standalone investment fund. Why it matters: Intel Capital is one of the oldest and most active corporate venture funds in Silicon Valley.

Intel Corp., the once-dominant chipmaker struggling to revive its business and finances, plans to turn its venture capital arm into a separate fund with a new name.

The chip maker said it will remain an investor in Intel Capital, founded in 1991 with over $5 billion in assets under management.

Intel Capital's separation is a "win-win scenario as it provides the fund with access to new sources of capital to expand its franchise while allowing both companies to continue benefiting from a productive long-term strategic partnership," said David Zinsner, Intel's interim co-chief executive officer and CFO.