Posted on Wednesday, December 04 2019 @ 13:01 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Word is going around that Intel has set its sights on Habana Labs, an Israel-based developed of artificial intelligence chips. Calcalist Tech
heard from a confidential source that Intel is offering between $1 billion and $2 billion for the company.
Founded in 2016, Habana Labs develops processors optimized for artificial intelligence applications. The company was founded by David Dahan and Ran Halutz, both former executives at PrimeSense Limited, acquired by Apple for $360 million in 2013. Habana raised $120 million to date, $75 million of the sum in a November 2018 round led by Intel Capital. Other investors include San Francisco-based WRV Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Battery Ventures.
If a deal can be reached, it will be the chip giant's second-largest deal in the country. Two years ago, Intel bought self-driving car tech firm Mobileye for $15.3 billion. In total, Intel employs over 13,000 workers in Israel.
