Korean Chip Startup FuriosaAI Turns Down $800 Million Meta Takeover Offer
Korean chip startup FuriosaAI has made a bold decision to turn down an $800 million takeover offer from Meta Platforms Inc., opting instead to continue growing as an independent company. This move has sparked intrigue in the tech industry, as FuriosaAI is one of the few Asian startups that have caught the attention of Meta.
Led by June Paik, a former employee of Samsung Electronics Co. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., FuriosaAI specializes in developing semiconductors for AI inferencing services. Their latest processor, RNGD, is poised to rival products from industry giants like Nvidia Corp. and other startups in the field.
The news of FuriosaAI rejecting Meta’s offer has had a significant impact on the market, with shares in South Korea-based venture capital firm DSC Investment Inc., a major supporter of the startup, plummeting more than 16%. On the other hand, Meta’s shares saw a 3.4% increase following the announcement.
Meta’s interest in acquiring FuriosaAI is part of its larger strategy to invest heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company is competing against other tech giants like OpenAI and Google, as well as emerging players such as Hangzhou-based DeepSeek. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has outlined plans to spend billions on AI infrastructure in the coming years.
Despite turning down the takeover offer, FuriosaAI is not shying away from growth opportunities. The company plans to raise capital and pursue an initial public offering in the future. With a strong customer base that includes LG AI Research and Saudi Aramco, FuriosaAI is well-positioned to continue its success in the AI chip market.
Overall, FuriosaAI’s decision to remain independent has set the stage for an exciting chapter in the company’s journey, as it continues to innovate and expand its presence in the tech industry.
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