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Positron Secures $230 Million to Challenge Nvidia's AI Chip Dominance
Semiconductor startup Positron raised $230 million in Series B funding to accelerate the deployment of its high-speed memory chips, a crucial component for AI workloads, according to TechCrunch. The Reno-based company aims to provide an alternative to Nvidia, the current leader in AI chip technology, as hyperscalers and AI firms seek to diversify their suppliers.
The Series B round included investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund, which is increasingly focused on building AI infrastructure, TechCrunch reported. OpenAI, despite being a major Nvidia customer, is reportedly among the firms seeking alternatives due to dissatisfaction with some of Nvidia's latest AI chips.
In other tech news, Y Combinator (YC) will now allow startups accepted into its program to receive seed funding in stablecoins, according to Nemil Dalal, a crypto partner at YC, as reported by The Block. The standard YC deal involves a $500,000 investment for 7% of the company. This option, starting with the upcoming spring batch, will be available on the Base, Solana, and Ethereum blockchains. Dalal noted that stablecoin transfers are often more efficient, particularly for founders in emerging markets. This move aligns with YC's increased interest in blockchain technology, demonstrated by its partnership with Base and Coinbase Ventures last fall to encourage the development of more blockchain-related companies.
Meanwhile, Adobe reversed its decision to discontinue Adobe Animate, The Verge reported. The company stated in an FAQ that Animate will now be in maintenance mode and will not be discontinued or have access removed. While it will not receive new features, Animate will continue to receive security and bug fixes and will remain available for both new and existing users. "Adobe is no longer planning to discontinue Adobe Animate on March 1st," The Verge noted.
In Minneapolis, the tech community is grappling with the impact of escalated immigration enforcement actions. Eight Minneapolis-based founders and investors told TechCrunch that they have largely paused their work to focus on supporting their communities. These efforts include volunteering at churches and helping to provide food. Scott Burns, an investor in the area, told TechCrunch that people are "very fatigued" and that there is a "lot of commonality between how a teacher is reacting right now and how a tech professional is reacting." Burns added that he is attending church more frequently to assist with food distribution.
Separately, Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent figure in longevity and preventive health, stepped down from his role as Chief Science Officer at David Protein, a maker of high-protein nutrition bars. The announcement was made on X by the founder of David Protein on Monday. This decision followed the release of over 1,700 documents, including email correspondence, in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, according to The New York Times, in which Attia's name appeared. Attia, known for his book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" and his podcast, was also an early investor in the food startup. TechCrunch reported that Attia's own startup declined to comment on the matter.
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