Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of AI startup CentML by Nvidia for over $400 million highlights the intense competition for AI talent and the strategic importance of optimizing GPU utilization in the AI industry [4][5][25]. Group 1: Company Overview - CentML, founded in 2022, focuses on optimizing the performance of AI applications, addressing the urgent market demand for efficient GPU usage [6][10]. - The company achieved a post-money valuation of $300 million after two rounds of funding, allowing early investors to exit profitably [7]. - CentML's key products include Hidet and DeepView, with Hidet capable of enhancing AI model training and inference speeds by up to 8 times using non-high-end AI chips [11]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - Nvidia's acquisition of CentML was anticipated, as the company had previously invested in CentML during its seed round in October 2023 [19][23]. - The acquisition price includes a base amount exceeding $300 million, with additional payments tied to performance targets [16]. - The deal reflects Nvidia's strategy to secure top AI talent, with all key personnel from CentML, including its founders, joining Nvidia's AI software division [26][27]. Group 3: Market Context - The AI talent market is highly competitive, with major tech companies like Meta and OpenAI also aggressively recruiting AI experts [31][32]. - A report indicated that the global supply of top AI experts is limited, with fewer than 1,000 individuals worldwide, and a talent gap is expected to persist until at least 2027 [33][34].