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AI Chip Startups, Seeking an Edge on Nvidia, Sell to Mideast
Chip startups SambaNova, Cerebras and Groq, trying to carve out a sliver of the $71 billion market for AI chips, are selling to Middle Eastern countries that have deep pockets and big ambitions in AI.
Startups that design artificial intelligence chips are eyeing the Middle East as a lucrative market where they can gain an advantage on market leader Nvidia.
SambaNova Systems, Cerebras and Groq—three of the dozens of startups developing AI chips—in the past year have announced deals to supply semiconductors and computer systems for AI efforts in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Now, these startups are hiring staff or opening offices. The presence could lead to deeper commercial ties, as well as investments from the region’s wealthy investment funds.