Eindhoven-based startup Axelera has raised $68mn as it looks to take its AI chip business global.
One of the lead investors is Samsung Catalyst, the venture arm of semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics.
Axelera builds the AIPUs as well as the software that runs them.
Dubbed Metis, the startup claims that it is the worlds most powerful AI chip for edge devices.
The AI chips are, in effect, tiny data centres located within the gadget.
They also minimises energy use.
Whats more, Axelera leverages whats known as in-memory computing.
Thats when data is stored in the main memory (RAM) instead of on traditional disk storage.
This makes for even faster data processing and retrieval.
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It specifies both what the processor is capable of doing as well as how it gets done.
RISC-V is alow-cost, efficient, and flexibleISA that can be customised to specific use cases.
Crucially, unlike most ISAs, it is open source, which means no single entity controls it.
Our mission is to democratise access to artificial intelligence, said Del Maffeo.
Axelera plans to put its AI processing units into full production in the latter half of this year.
The startup is also exploring the development of high performance AI chips for data centres and supercomputers.
Hailing from Eindhoven, Axelera exists in one of the most mature semiconductor tech hubs in the world.
This latest funding round brings Axeleras total raised to $120mn.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
