OpenAI in talks to again Zeloof and chip legend Keller’s startup at $100 million valuation • TechCrunch

Sam Zeloof is a well-liked title on YouTube and tech Twitter. For years, he has been documenting his spectacular journey of constructing silicon chips at his storage. What most individuals don’t know is that Zeloof has been working to take this experience to its subsequent logical degree.

Zeloof has partnered with engineering veteran Jim Keller to discovered Atomic Semi, a startup that seeks to fabricate chips, two sources conversant in the matter advised TechCrunch. The startup is utilizing “radically” simplified and miniaturized semiconductor fabs and prototyping built-in circuits to provide “way more reasonably priced” chips in hours, as an alternative of the standard months-long timeframe, the sources mentioned.

The duo’s startup has obtained consideration from traders, too. OpenAI is in superior phases of deliberations to spend money on Atomic Semi, collaborating in a seed spherical of about $15 million at a valuation of $100 million, the individuals mentioned, requesting anonymity sharing personal info.

The deliberations haven’t been finalized and the phrases of the deal could change, they mentioned. OpenAI declined to remark final week. Zeloof didn’t reply to a request for remark. Keller couldn’t be reached.

The startup’s existence, the duo’s partnership and their fundraising efforts haven’t been beforehand reported.