传Intel洽谈收购SambaNova

Core Viewpoint - Intel is in preliminary talks to acquire AI chip startup SambaNova Systems, with discussions focusing on terms of the acquisition, although any deal may value SambaNova below its previous $5 billion valuation from 2021 [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Talks - Intel is negotiating with SambaNova regarding acquisition terms, with SambaNova having previously worked with bankers to assess potential buyers [2]. - The talks are in early stages, and it remains uncertain whether an agreement will be reached, with the possibility of other buyers emerging [2][3]. - SambaNova's spokesperson indicated the company is always looking for strategic opportunities to support its mission and stakeholders but declined to comment further [2]. Group 2: SambaNova's Background and Challenges - Founded in 2017 by Stanford professors, SambaNova designs custom AI chips aimed at competing with Nvidia's products [2][3]. - The company shifted its focus to the inference domain, running developed models, as it faced challenges in securing financing and competition from larger firms like Nvidia and AMD [3][6]. - SambaNova's valuation peaked at $5 billion after a $676 million funding round led by SoftBank in 2021, but it has since struggled to maintain its market appeal [5][7]. Group 3: Market Context and Future Prospects - The AI hardware sector is experiencing intense competition, and SambaNova's search for a sale reflects broader pressures faced by AI chip companies amid cooling investor enthusiasm for AI infrastructure [6][9]. - SambaNova has begun bundling hardware with subscription services for generative AI models, but its product adoption has been slower than expected [8]. - The potential acquisition could attract interest from major tech companies looking to enhance their AI capabilities, although formal sale processes have not yet begun [8][9].