Intel is negotiating to acquire AI-chipmaker SambaNova, per Bloomberg via Reuters, with discussions valuing the target below its 2021 $5 billion round and remaining preliminary. A deal would bolster Intel’s AI roadmap after limited GPU traction versus Nvidia. Walden International and Intel Capital invested, alongside SoftBank. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has prior ties to Walden International and SambaNova. SambaNova designs custom accelerators and named Tan executive chairman in 2024. Talks could conclude unresolved.
Reuters reported that Intel is negotiating to acquire AI processor-maker SambaNova, according to Bloomberg News, which cites people familiar with the talks. The parties are exploring terms that would value SambaNova below the $5 billion mark set in its 2021 round. Discussions remain early, and either side could walk away without an agreement.
Intel leans into a new chapter: The company doubles down on artificial intelligence and next-generation chips, threading fresh partnerships into its roadmap and chasing momentum to reclaim the lead in advanced computing—one strategic move, one design win, one silicon milestone at a time.
An acquisition would extend Intel’s AI roadmap after limited traction for its lower-cost GPUs versus Nvidia. CEO Lip-Bu Tan brings prior ties: His firm Walden International invested early in SambaNova, and Intel Capital also holds a stake; SoftBank’s Vision Fund invested alongside them. SambaNova designs custom AI accelerators and appointed Tan as executive chairman last year.
Since April, Intel has raised multibillion-dollar capital from Nvidia and SoftBank and accepted a US government equity stake, strengthening its balance sheet. Intel targets a return to the AI GPU market next year with a new part. A SambaNova buyout would contrast with CFO David Zinsner’s April guidance that Intel would avoid additional near-term acquisitions.
We have a complete write-up on SambaNova in our AI processors market report, with discussion of company SWOT products, and management. Further information about our AI Processors Market Development and AIP Quarterly Update series bundled reports can be found here.
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