Core Insights - The article discusses the history and key moments of TSMC, particularly focusing on its relationship with Nvidia and the evolution of the semiconductor industry under the leadership of Morris Chang [2][3][4]. Group 1: TSMC's Relationship with Nvidia - TSMC's relationship with Nvidia began in 1997 when Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, reached out for manufacturing support, highlighting the importance of potential clients regardless of their size [3][4]. - At the time, Nvidia was a small company facing bankruptcy, while TSMC had already surpassed $1 billion in revenue [4][5]. - The partnership proved successful, with Nvidia becoming one of TSMC's major clients within a few years, significantly contributing to TSMC's growth [7][9]. Group 2: Challenges and Resolutions - In 2009, TSMC faced manufacturing and quality issues at the 40nm process node, which affected clients like Nvidia, leading to financial and operational challenges [10][12]. - Morris Chang returned as CEO to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clients and resolving disputes amicably [12][25]. - A significant resolution occurred when TSMC proposed a settlement of over $100 million to Nvidia, which was accepted, reinforcing their long-term partnership [30][32]. Group 3: Strategic Decisions and Market Positioning - TSMC decided to invest heavily in the 28nm process node, which was seen as a pivotal moment for the company, coinciding with the rise of the smartphone market [34][42]. - The company set a research and development budget at 8% of revenue to ensure consistent innovation and competitiveness in the semiconductor industry [35][36]. - TSMC's strategic focus on advanced technology and market needs allowed it to maintain a leading position in the semiconductor manufacturing sector [42][43]. Group 4: Engagement with Apple - TSMC's relationship with Apple began when Apple sought TSMC's manufacturing capabilities, leading to discussions about economic terms and production timelines [60][62]. - The initial engagement with Apple highlighted TSMC's competitive edge in technology and manufacturing efficiency, which was crucial for securing Apple's business [63][66]. - TSMC faced challenges in meeting Apple's demands for new process nodes, but the company strategically managed its resources to accommodate these requests while maintaining its operational integrity [67][73].