Jensen Huang couldn't get TSMC to return his calls. Then its founder called.
Before Nvidia became an AI powerhouse, Jensen Huang was a startup founder struggling to get a Taiwanese chipmaker to return his calls.
This article recounts how Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, faced challenges in securing manufacturing support from TSMC during the company's early days, highlighting the pivotal role of Morris Chang's leadership in establishing a partnership that would later become crucial for Nvidia's AI advancements.
What happened
Jensen Huang, then a startup founder, faced difficulties in getting TSMC to respond to his calls for manufacturing support. After persistent efforts, he eventually received a call from Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, who expressed interest in partnering with Nvidia. This led to a long-term collaboration that is now critical for Nvidia's AI chip production.
Why it matters
The story underscores the importance of perseverance and strategic partnerships in the tech industry, particularly for startups seeking manufacturing support. It also highlights the significance of TSMC's role in enabling AI advancements through its advanced chip manufacturing capabilities.
- Persistence and strategic communication are crucial when seeking manufacturing support.
- Foundational relationships with industry leaders can lead to long-term partnerships.
- TSMC's role in AI chip manufacturing is vital for the advancement of AI technologies.
The bigger picture
The partnership between Nvidia and TSMC has had a significant impact on the AI industry, enabling the production of advanced AI chips that power modern AI technologies.
The article highlights the early challenges faced by Jensen Huang in securing manufacturing support from TSMC and the pivotal role of Morris Chang's leadership in establishing a partnership that has since become essential for Nvidia's AI advancements.
Technical details
- Nvidia's early need for manufacturing support for graphics chips.
- TSMC's role as a foundry with limited capacity and technology licensing requirements.
- The importance of long-term partnerships and corporate governance in business decisions.
FAQ
Why did Jensen Huang struggle to get TSMC to return his calls?
Huang reached out to TSMC through the Yellow Pages, but the company did not respond to his initial calls, likely due to limited foundry capacity and technology licensing requirements.
How did Jensen Huang eventually connect with Morris Chang?
After persistent efforts, Huang received a call from Morris Chang, who expressed interest in partnering with Nvidia.
What was the significance of the partnership between Nvidia and TSMC?
The partnership has been crucial for Nvidia's AI chip production, enabling the development of advanced AI technologies.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
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Originally published by Business Insider - AI on Oct 15, 2026.
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