The startup is expected to capitalize on the increasing demand for AI, which has put pressure on the supply of graphic processing units (GPUs) used by companies from Microsoft to smaller AI startups. Nvidia, the leading supplier of GPUs, also produces Cuda, the main software for creating machine-learning apps, which only works with Nvidia chips. Modular's software aims to simplify the process for AI developers to train and run their machine-learning models on chips designed by other companies, such as AMD, Intel, and Google.
Key takeaways:
- Modular, a startup that develops software to challenge Nvidia's dominance in AI chips, is in discussions to raise Series A funding that could value the company at around $600 million.
- The startup was co-founded by Google and Apple alumni and launched its flagship software product just three months ago.
- Modular's software aims to make it easier for AI developers to train and run their machine-learning models on chips designed by other companies, such as AMD, Intel, and Google.
- Modular's co-founder, Chris Lattner, led the creation of Swift, the programming language that powers many of Apple's products.