Intel will increase its stake in SambaNova to 9%, investing an additional $15 million

Brief news summary
In 2024 Intel did not complete the purchase of startup SambaNova for $1.6 billion, but it continues to invest in its development. In a new round the company will invest an additional $15 million, and Intel’s stake will rise to 9 %.

What has already happened
Date Event Details February 2024 First major investor round Intel invested $35 million, increasing its stake from 6.8 % to 8.2 %. At the same time it announced a strategic partnership. November 2017 – April 2023 SambaNova leadership Lip‑Bu Tan has been chairman of the board since November 2017. The company reduced staff in April 2023 and sought new investors. April 2023 Acquisition? Intel considered buying SambaNova but did not close a deal.

New investment
- Amount: $15 million
- Increase in stake: to 9 %
- Purpose: AI infrastructure accelerators, especially inference.

Why Intel keeps investing
1. Strategic interest – SambaNova develops compute accelerators that Intel needs.
2. Own involvement – Lip‑Bu Tan heads both companies; however Intel stresses no conflict of interest:
- Shares in four companies (SambaNova, EPIC Microsystems, 3D Glass Solutions, OPAQUE Systems) were acquired before Tan was appointed CEO.
- Internal regulator rules require a conflict‑of‑interest review.

Other companies involving Lip‑Bu Tan
Company Stake Intel Tan’s fund shares Note
OPAQUE Systems 14 % 17 % Investments in graphics accelerators
EPIC Microsystems 5 % – Devices for neural networks
3D Glass Solutions ~$8 million investment after Tan’s appointment – Augmented‑reality glasses

Conclusion
Intel continues to expand its presence in the AI accelerator segment by investing in several companies where Lip‑Bu Tan holds key positions. Even though the purchase of SambaNova did not materialize, the new investment and increased stake underscore the startup’s strategic importance for Intel’s future technologies.