AMD Boosts AI Software Ecosystem with Nod.ai Acquisition
In a strategic move to enhance its AI development tools and expand its hardware capabilities, chipmaker AMD has acquired Nod.ai, an open-source AI software provider. The acquisition is set to close this quarter, strengthening AMD’s position in the rapidly growing market for AI chips.
The details of the transaction were not disclosed, but AMD’s Senior Vice President, Vamsi Boppana, emphasized the significant impact of the acquisition on the company’s ability to offer high-performance AI models optimized for AMD hardware. Nod.ai’s expertise in open-source compiler technology will enable the development of portable and efficient AI solutions across AMD’s product portfolio.
Nod.ai, founded in 2013 by Anush Elangovan and Harsh Menon, initially focused on gaming devices for gesture recognition and motion tracking. However, the company later shifted its focus to AI model tooling, simplifying the optimization and deployment of AI models for data center and edge machines. Notably, Nod.ai’s solutions have already been widely deployed in cloud environments, edge devices, and various endpoint devices.
While AMD’s rival, Nvidia, offers similar software-based solutions for accelerating AI models, Nod.ai’s open-source approach sets it apart. Unlike Nvidia’s closed-source and proprietary software, Nod.ai’s technology is designed to work seamlessly with AMD-powered machines, promoting compatibility and flexibility.
Prior to the acquisition, Nod.ai had raised over $20 million in venture funding and attracted notable investors such as Atlantic Bridge, Square Capital, PointGuard Ventures, and Walden International. Rumors of participation by Alameda Research, co-led by FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried, were denied by Nod.ai’s CEO, Anush Elangovan.
Following the acquisition, Nod.ai will join AMD’s existing AI group, which comprises approximately 1,500 engineers. As AMD aims to catch up with Nvidia in the rapidly expanding AI chip market, the company plans to expand the group by 300 employees by the end of the year.
AMD’s acquisition of Nod.ai marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to build a robust AI software ecosystem. With the merger of their expertise and resources, AMD and Nod.ai are poised to deliver innovative AI solutions to a broader range of customers worldwide.
