NVIDIA completes $700 million acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run:ai, to turn it Open Source

NVIDIA has finalised its acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run:ai, adding another powerful tool to its arsenal of AI computing solutions. Run:ai’s software, designed to optimise the performance of intelligence computing hardware, will now be open-sourced. This move allows developers and companies to utilise the software, not just for NVIDIA-based systems but also for hardware from rival manufacturers.

Run:ai expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter, highlighting plans to expand its team and reach. By making the software open-source, the company aims to extend its impact across the broader AI ecosystem. The startup believes this will help enhance the accessibility of its technology, enabling a wider range of users to fine-tune their AI hardware for maximum efficiency.

Strengthening NVIDIA’s position in AI

NVIDIA has cemented itself as a leader in the AI hardware market, with its data centre accelerator chips dominating the space. While other chipmakers have seen rapid growth, NVIDIA’s sales far outpace the competition, generating tens of billions of dollars each quarter. This acquisition further reinforces NVIDIA’s strategy of offering comprehensive solutions that integrate cutting-edge hardware with advanced software tools.

Run:ai’s technology aligns seamlessly with NVIDIA’s vision. The startup has been a close partner of the company since 2020, collaborating on various projects to optimise AI hardware performance. Founded in 2018 by Omri Geller and Ronen Dar, Run:ai has gained recognition for its innovative approach to intelligence computing management, making it a valuable addition to NVIDIA’s ecosystem.

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A major investment in Israeli innovation

While NVIDIA has not disclosed the financial details of the transaction, reports from Israeli publication Calcalist earlier this year estimated the deal’s value at $700 million. This marks NVIDIA’s second major investment in Israel’s tech landscape, following its $7 billion acquisition of Mellanox Technologies in 2020.

The acquisition underscores NVIDIA’s commitment to leveraging Israel’s thriving tech sector for its AI advancements. With Run:ai now under its wing, NVIDIA is poised to expand its capabilities further, benefiting not only its own ecosystem but also the global AI community through open-source contributions.

Opening doors for the broader AI ecosystem

By open-sourcing Run:ai’s software, NVIDIA aims to democratise access to tools that can enhance AI computing efficiency. This decision could have far-reaching implications, enabling developers and enterprises using non-NVIDIA hardware to benefit from Run:ai’s solutions. It’s a strategic move that not only broadens the software’s impact but also strengthens NVIDIA’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the AI industry. As NVIDIA integrates Run:ai’s technology, the AI ecosystem is set to gain a significant boost in performance optimisation and accessibility.