AI Hardware

SoftBank Acquires Graphcore to Build Next Gen AI Compute

SoftBank has bought UK-based chipmaker Graphcore, as the Japanese tech group founded by Masayoshi Son accelerates its multibillion-dollar push into artificial intelligence.

By Priya Khosla July 12, 2024

Source: Graphcore

Under the deal, Graphcore becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank and will continue to operate under the Graphcore name.

“This is a tremendous endorsement of our team and their ability to build truly transformative AI technologies at scale, as well as a great outcome for our company,” said Graphcore co-founder and CEO Nigel Toon. “Demand for AI compute is vast and continues to grow. There remains much to do to improve efficiency, resilience, and computational power to unlock the full potential of AI. In SoftBank, we have a partner that can enable the Graphcore team to redefine the landscape for AI technology.”

“Society is embracing the opportunities offered by foundation models, generative AI applications and new approaches to scientific discovery”, said Vikas J. Parekh, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. “Next generation semi-conductors and compute systems are essential in the AGI journey, we’re pleased to collaborate with Graphcore in this mission.”

Graphcore is recognised as a leading employer in the UK’s high tech economy and will continue to invest in the creation of high-skilled jobs spanning a range of disciplines.

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