The company's increased lobbying efforts come in response to new export restrictions on chips sold to China, which have forced Nvidia to develop less-capable semiconductors to sell to Chinese customers. Nvidia's government relations efforts are led by Ned Finkle, the company's vice president of external affairs. Despite complying with the White House's export restrictions, Nvidia has been vocal about its disagreement with the policy, arguing that it could spur the development of a competitor-led ecosystem and negatively impact US leadership in semiconductors, advanced technology, and AI.
Key takeaways:
- Nvidia has been increasing its lobbying efforts in Washington, hiring at least four government affairs staffers in the past year, as the company's profile has grown and it has become a key player in the AI industry.
- The company is navigating a delicate balance between complying with U.S. export restrictions on advanced processors to China and maintaining its business interests in the country.
- Nvidia, along with rivals Intel and Qualcomm, has reportedly urged the U.S. government to reconsider these restrictions, warning that they could spur the development of a competitor-led ecosystem and negatively impact U.S. leadership in semiconductors and AI.
- The company's government relations efforts are led by Ned Finkle, Nvidia’s vice president of external affairs, a 21-year veteran of the company.