Nvidia pauses equity but exceptions: Vast Data $1B/$30B + Thinking Machines $50B/SiFive $400M/CoreWeave $6B/Firmus $505M/Upscale $200M etc. chips/infra surge
Key Questions
What is Nvidia's stance on equity investments currently?
Nvidia has paused most equity investments but is making exceptions, such as backing Vast Data's $1 billion round at a $30 billion valuation.
Which companies received notable funding backed or excepted by Nvidia?
Exceptions include Thinking Machines at $50 billion valuation, SiFive's $400 million RISC-V funding ahead of a $3.65 billion pre-IPO, CoreWeave's $6 billion from Jane Street with $1 billion prior, and others like Firmus at $505 million/$5.5 billion.
What is Vast Data's latest funding round?
Vast Data raised $1 billion led by Drive Capital and Access Industries, with Nvidia backing, valuing the storage company at over $30 billion, more than three times its 2023 valuation.
What recent developments involve Cerebras Systems?
AI chipmaker Cerebras Systems has filed publicly for a US IPO after raising $1.1 billion previously, reporting net income.
What funding did Upscale AI secure or pursue?
Upscale AI is seeking $180-200 million at a $2 billion valuation despite no product release yet, backed by Tiger Global.
What other chip and infra funding rounds occurred?
Additional rounds include MatX $500 million, Sarvam $300 million at $1.5 billion, Dnotitia $61.2 million in Korea, Syenta $37 million in Australia for AI chip connectivity, and Q1 semis funding exceeding $8 billion.
What is the total Q1 funding trend for semiconductors?
Q1 semiconductor funding surpassed $8 billion, amid a surge in chips and infrastructure investments despite Nvidia's general pause.
What is Syenta's focus and funding?
ANU spin-out Syenta raised $37 million to advance next-gen AI chip connectivity through semiconductor technology.
Nvidia backs Vast Data $1B at $30B val storage amid pause; exceptions incl Thinking Machines $50B, SiFive $400M RISC-V $3.65B pre-IPO, CoreWeave Jane Street $6B/$1B, Firmus $505M/$5.5B, Upscale $200M $2B chips, MatX $500M, Sarvam $300M $1.5B, Dnotitia $61.2M Korea, Syenta $37M Aus. Q1 semis >$8B, Cerebras IPO filing.