Intel paying $2 billion for RISC-V developer SiFive?

Posted on Friday, June 11 2021 @ 15:58 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Word is going around that Intel made an offer of over $2 billion to acquire SiFive. The latter is a startup that designs chips based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. Bloomberg writes the talks are still early and SiFive could decide to remain independent.
The company has received takeover offers from multiple parties other than Intel, one of the people said. It has also fielded offers for an investment, which could be a preferable route, the person added.

Discussions are early, there’s no guarantee any deal will be reached, and SiFive may choose to remain independent.

SiFive was last valued at around $500 million when it raised funds in 2020, according to data provider PitchBook.
SiFive is seen as a potential rival to Arm, both companies license chip designs. Interest in SiFive spiked after NVIDIA announced its $40 billion deal to acquire Arm. The big lure of RISC-V is that it's cheaper and more accessible to customers than Arm.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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