Qualcomm nearing deal for AI chip startup Modular, Bloomberg News reports

Industry:    1 day ago

Qualcomm is in advanced discussions to acquire Modular Inc in a transaction valuing ​the AI chip company at about $4 ‌billion, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

If completed, the deal would ​mark a significant step-up from the $1.6 billion ​valuation Modular secured in a funding ⁠round just nine months ago.

A global supplier ​of smartphone chips, Qualcomm has been working to ​reduce its reliance on the volatile handset market by branching out into fast-growing areas like data center ​processors and autonomous vehicle chips.

Here are ​a few details:

  • A deal could be announced in the ‌coming ⁠weeks, though talks could still fall through or the details could change, Bloomberg said.
  • Qualcomm did not immediately respond when contacted by Reuters, ​while Modular ​could not ⁠be reached for comment.
  • Founded in 2022, Modular has raised a total ​of $380 million to date, including a $250 ​million ⁠in a funding round in September.
  • In a separate deal, Qualcomm is in talks to acquire ⁠AI ​chip startup Tenstorrent for $8 billion ​to $10 billion, The Information reported last week.
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