AMD Acqui-Hires Untether AI Team to Boost Chip Development for Energy-Efficient AI Applications

AMD Expands AI Capabilities with Strategic Acqui-hire of Untether AI Team Semiconductor giant AMD continues to solidify its position in the artificial intelligence market with a strategic move to acqui-hire the employees of Untether AI, a Toronto-based startup known for developing AI inference chips. The financial details of this deal have not been disclosed, but the acquisition underscores AMD's commitment to enhancing its AI offerings. Untether AI, founded in 2018, has gained significant traction with its innovative AI chips, which are designed to be both faster and more energy-efficient compared to those of its competitors. The company has raised over $150 million in venture capital from prominent investors such as Intel Capital, Radical Ventures, and Tracker Capital Management, among others. This funding has supported the development and release of their latest AI chip, introduced in October, aimed at powering physical AI applications in various sectors, including automotive and agriculture. The decision to focus on physical AI applications reflects a growing trend in the industry, where AI is being integrated into everyday devices to improve efficiency and performance. Untether's chip technology is particularly suited for these applications because of its superior energy efficiency and speed, making it an attractive addition to AMD's portfolio. This acqui-hire is not AMD's only recent move in the AI space. Earlier this week, the company announced the acquisition of Brium, a platform focused on AI software optimization. The combination of Brium's software expertise and Untether AI's hardware capabilities positions AMD to offer comprehensive AI solutions that can meet the increasing demands of the market. To gain further insights into this acquisition and its implications for AMD's AI strategy, TechCrunch has reached out to the company for additional information. This series of acquisitions marks a significant step forward for AMD, demonstrating its intent to become a leader in AI technology by integrating top-tier talent and cutting-edge innovation. The semiconductor industry is witnessing a race to develop more advanced AI capabilities, and AMD's proactive approach ensures it remains at the forefront of this technological revolution. With the integration of Untether AI's expertise, AMD is poised to deliver enhanced AI chip solutions that can power a wide range of applications, from autonomous vehicles to smart farming equipment. As the demand for AI technologies continues to rise, AMD's strategic acquisitions may position the company to capture a larger share of the market and drive further advancements in the field. These moves are expected to strengthen AMD's competitive stance against other major players in the semiconductor sector, fostering a future where AI plays a central role in various industries.