Intel explores purchase of AI chip maker SambaNova, Bloomberg says

Intel is in preliminary talks to acquire AI chip startup SambaNova, according to Bloomberg, in a move that could bolster the chipmaker’s push into artificial-intelligence hardware after struggling to dent Nvidia’s lead. A deal would likely value SambaNova below the $5 billion mark set in a 2021 round led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund, the report said, cautioning that discussions are early and may not result in an agreement. SambaNova, which designs custom AI processors, counts Intel Capital among its backers and last year named longtime tech investor Lip-Bu Tan as executive chairman. The talks come as Intel secures fresh external financing and U.S. government support and prepares a return to the AI GPU market next year, even after earlier efforts failed to gain significant traction. Both companies declined to comment.

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