Intel is reportedly in early-stage discussions to acquire AI chip company SambaNova Systems, according to people familiar with matter. A potential deal would signal a strategic shift for Intel and could significantly boost its ambitions in the competitive artificial intelligence sector.
Founded in 2017, SambaNova initially developed chips for both AI training and inference but shifted its focus solely to AI inference in 2025 after facing fundraising challenges and conducting layoffs. The company's valuation in a potential acquisition is likely below the $5 billion it reached during a 2021 funding round.
Notably, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has been serving as SambaNova's executive chairman since May 2024. Furthermore, investment firms connected to Tan, along with Intel Capital, are already investors in the startup, creating a foundational link for the acquisition talks.
The move is seen as a way for Intel to quickly bolster its AI chip technology and product lineup, as its in-house efforts to compete with rivals like NVIDIA have so far yielded limited success.
ICgoodFind : A successful acquisition could accelerate Intel's AI roadmap and intensify competition in the global AI chip market.
