EnCharge AI Raises $100M for AI Chip Tech
EnCharge AI, a California-based startup specializing in energy-efficient AI chips, has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round. The investment, led by Tiger Global, aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of its cutting-edge in-memory computing technology.
A Leap in AI Efficiency
Founded in 2022, EnCharge AI has developed an in-memory computing chip that boasts a twenty-fold improvement in energy efficiency compared to traditional architectures. Unlike conventional AI chips, which require constant data transfers between memory and processing units, EnCharge’s technology processes data directly within memory. This significantly reduces energy consumption and enhances performance.
The company’s innovation stems from research by its CEO, Naveen Verma, who explored non-volatile memory devices—memory that retains stored information even when power is removed. By leveraging static random-access memory (SRAM), EnCharge’s chips optimize AI computation without relying on cloud-based data centers, making them ideal for edge computing applications.
Transforming AI Across Industries
EnCharge AI’s chips enable AI inference—where models make real-time predictions—on local devices, eliminating the need for extensive cloud processing. This opens up possibilities for applications in:
- Automotive sensing – Enhancing real-time decision-making in self-driving cars.
- Smart retail – Powering intelligent checkout systems and customer analytics.
- Industrial robotics – Improving automation and efficiency in factories.
Backing from Major Investors
The Series B round saw participation from Maverick Silicon, Capital TEN, SIP Global Partners, Zero Infinity Partners, CTBC VC, Vanderbilt University, and Morgan Creek Digital. Existing investors, including RTX Ventures and Anzu Partners, also contributed, bringing EnCharge AI’s total funding to approximately $144 million.
A Strategic Partnership with TSMC
To refine its first-generation commercial chips, EnCharge AI is collaborating with semiconductor manufacturing giant TSMC. This partnership is expected to accelerate production and optimize chip performance for real-world applications.
What's Next
With this latest funding, EnCharge AI plans to bring its AI accelerator solutions to market, positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of energy-efficient AI computing. As demand for AI continues to grow, its breakthrough technology could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of on-device intelligence.
