Qualcomm is in advanced talks to buy AI infrastructure startup Modular for about $4 billion, marking a valuation increase from the $1.6 billion post-money in September after raising $380 million. Modular’s founders, former Google engineers Chris Lattner and Tim Davis, could accelerate Qualcomm’s chip lineup, intensifying competition for Google Cloud’s AI offerings.
Qualcomm is in advanced talks to acquire AI infrastructure startup Modular for about $4 billion, in a deal that could be announced within weeks. The startup raised $380 million at a $1.6 billion valuation in September, boosting its profile in the inferencing chip sector.
Modular was founded by Chris Lattner and Tim Davis, former Google engineers frustrated by fragmented AI infrastructure. The company’s software framework targets faster model inference, aligning with chipmakers’ push into AI workloads.
Qualcomm’s expanded AI chip lineup could intensify competition for Google Cloud’s machine-learning services. The move underscores a broader industry race for edge inferencing technology, challenging Google’s existing infrastructure partnerships.
