Meta Platforms, Inc. is set to acquire Rivos, a semiconductor startup based in Santa Clara, California, in a strategic move to bolster its internal chip development capabilities. With a keen focus on advancing chips using the RISC-V architecture, an open-source alternative to those by Arm, Intel, and AMD, Meta underscores its dedication to leading-edge technology. Although financial details remain undisclosed and Rivos has yet to comment, the acquisition signifies a major advancement for Meta’s tech portfolio.
Yee Jiun Song, Meta’s vice president of engineering, highlighted how Rivos’ expertise in full‑stack AI systems will enhance Meta’s Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) project. This move emphasizes Meta’s commitment to designing custom chip accelerators, crucial for developing their AI models. It aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to internalize infrastructure solutions, thereby reducing costs previously tied to external vendors like Nvidia for AI chips.
Rivos, reportedly nearing a $2 billion valuation, attracted Meta as a significant customer and potential partner. This acquisition reflects an industry-wide trend among tech giants to develop in-house technologies, minimizing reliance on third-party providers to maintain a competitive stance.
This strategic acquisition is expected to lower costs and increase efficiency across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. As Meta deepens its involvement in semiconductor technology, it continues its transformation from a social media giant into a comprehensive tech leader, reinforcing its ambitions within the AI sector. This development marks a pivotal step in Meta’s long-term vision, promising enhancements in its AI capabilities and beyond.