A major step in the artificial intelligence market: Nvidia is entering into a strategic agreement with the startup Poolside, which specializes in developing AI models. Under the terms of the deal, the tech giant will pay $6 billion to license Poolside's intellectual developments, and will also offer employment to more than 100 of the startup's employees. Additionally, Nvidia will invest $1 billion in the company's growth.
Poolside's valuation under this deal reaches $12 billion, excluding new capital injections. It is important to emphasize that the startup retains operational independence, indicating a long-term partnership rather than a full acquisition. This is not just a financial transaction, but an attempt by Nvidia to strengthen its position in the race for leadership in generative AI, where access to cutting-edge models and skilled talent is becoming a key competitive advantage.
The deal reflects a growing trend: large corporations prefer not only to buy technologies but also to integrate development teams to accelerate innovation. In the case of Poolside, Nvidia gains not only licenses but also access to unique expertise in training large language models, which could strengthen its GPU and software ecosystem.
My view as an analyst: this move is a signal to the market that Nvidia seeks to diversify its revenue beyond chip manufacturing. Investments in AI developers create a closed loop: demand for hardware grows thanks to software that Nvidia partially controls. However, maintaining Poolside's independence points to a cautious approach—likely to avoid regulatory risks and preserve the startup's flexibility. In the coming months, similar deals should be expected, as competition for AI talent and technology intensifies.