**Nvidia pauses major equity but exceptions; Thinking Machines $50B + Shield $2B G $12.7B/Blackstone + Depthfirst $80M B + Firmus $505M/$5.5B + Sarvam/Tenex/MatX/Nava etc., defense/infra/security/chips surge** [developing]
Key Questions
What is Nvidia's current stance on major equity investments?
Nvidia is pausing major equity investments but making exceptions for key areas like infrastructure and defense. Notable exceptions include Thinking Machines and Firmus.
What is the Thinking Machines investment by Nvidia?
Nvidia backed Thinking Machines with $50B, led by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, focusing on 1GW Rubin compute. This fits Nvidia's exception criteria.
Details on Firmus's recent funding?
Firmus raised $505M led by Coatue and Nvidia, valued at $5.5B, to build AI factories in Australia. This aligns with Nvidia's infrastructure exceptions.
What funding did Shield AI secure?
Shield AI raised $1.5B-$2B in Series G at $12.7B valuation, plus acquiring Aechelon. Google participated in this defense-focused round.
What is Depthfirst's funding and focus?
Depthfirst raised $80M in Series B led by Meritech for AI cybersecurity on software infrastructure. It fits Nvidia's security exceptions.
Funding details for Sarvam AI?
Sarvam AI is nearing $300-350M at $1.5-1.55B valuation, backed by Nvidia and others. This India-based firm focuses on language AI models.
What is MatX's funding and goal?
MatX raised $500M to build LLMs and compete with Nvidia in AI chips. The startup targets high-performance AI hardware.
Other notable funding in infrastructure and defense?
Aria Networks raised $125M for AI networking; Nava $22M for APAC infra; CoreWeave $8.5B debt; Tenex $250M. These reflect surges in defense, infra, security, and chips.
Nvidia pausing large checks but exceptions incl. $50B Thinking Machines (Murati, 1GW Rubin) + Firmus $505M confirmed (Coatue/Nvidia, AI factories Australia); Shield $1.5B G $12.7B + Depthfirst $80M B cyber (Meritech); Sarvam $300-350M; Tenex $250M; MatX $500M; Nava $22M APAC infra (Greenoaks); CoreWeave $8.5B debt; Aria $125M networking fits infra exceptions.