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AI21 Labs in Talks with Nvidia, Denies Acquisition Rumors
8 Jan
Summary
- AI21 Labs, an Israeli AI startup, is in preliminary talks with Nvidia.
- Reports of a $3 billion acquisition by Nvidia have been dismissed.
- Nvidia and Google are existing investors in AI21 Labs.
AI21 Labs, a prominent artificial intelligence startup based in Tel Aviv, has engaged in preliminary discussions with technology giant Nvidia Corp. and other potential partners. Co-founder Amnon Shashua clarified that these talks are in the early stages, emphasizing that no agreement is close to being finalized. He specifically addressed and dismissed recent reports from Israeli media suggesting a more advanced acquisition process.
Contrary to speculation, Shashua stated that discussions are not as advanced as reported, refuting claims of a potential $3 billion acquisition by Nvidia. Nvidia, along with Google, is already an established investor in AI21 Labs. The startup, founded in 2017, focuses on helping enterprises develop generative AI applications using its Maestro system and Jamba large language models.
AI21 Labs' last known valuation stood at $1.4 billion following a $208 million funding round in 2023. The company had also been in discussions to secure an additional $300 million in funding in May of the previous year. Shashua also leads Mobileye Global Inc., a company specializing in self-driving car systems.
