- AMD is poised to acquire Finnish startup Silo AI for $665 million, reinforcing its ambitions to excel in the challenging AI industry.
- The acquisition strengthens AMD’s software development capabilities and unlocks new possibilities for customers to build complex AI models using its chips.
OUR TAKE
AMD has announced its intention to acquire Finnish startup Silo AI for $665 million, aiming to enhance its standing in the fiercely contested AI race. This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for AMD as it seeks to bolster its presence in the AI chip sector, aiming to close the gap with industry leader Nvidia and strengthen its position in the global AI market.
–Dolly Huang, BTW reporter
What happened
AMD has made a significant strategic move by announcing its acquisition of Silo AI, Finland’s leading artificial intelligence startup, in a cash deal valued at approximately $665 million.
Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Silo AI is renowned for its comprehensive end-to-end AI solutions, focusing on seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into the products and services of its diverse clientele across various industries. The company has established a robust presence in both the European and North American markets, servicing notable international enterprises such as Philips, Rolls Royce, and Unilever.
Vamsi Boppana, AMD senior vice president of AI, highlighted in an interview that the acquisition will not adversely affect its financial performance but instead anticipates that it will “infuse fresh impetus into AMD’s business and usher in a new era of growth.” The company has declined to discuss the potential business impact of this acquisition over time.
Peter Sarlin, CEO and co-founder of Silo AI, will retain his leadership role in the unit as an integral part of AMD’s AI Group. The transaction is currently progressing with both parties actively working towards completion, expected in the latter half of 2024.
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Why it’s important
This acquisition demonstrates its determination to enhance its AI chip capabilities to compete against industry leader Nvidia. This strategic move aims to leverage Silo AI’s expertise in AI technology, particularly for the challenges of building and training large language models, to breathe new life into AMD’s AI chip capabilities.
AMD claims that the acquisition will not only accelerate the development and deployment efficiency of AMD-driven AI models but also unlock new possibilities for customers to build complex AI models using its chips, further strengthening AMD’s position in the AI market.
Looking back over the past year, AMD’s layout in the field of artificial intelligence can be said to be intense. It has acquired Mipsology and Nod.ai, two artificial intelligence software companies, and has invested extensively in the field, totaling more than $125 million, which shows AMD’s firm confidence in the future development of AI and continued investment.
The addition of Silo AI is undoubtedly another important milestone for AMD in this series of actions to expand the AI landscape, marking the company’s technical strength and market influence in the field of artificial intelligence as steadily improving.
