FuriosaAI
FuriosaAI, a South Korea–based AI chip startup, has taken a significant step forward in the global semiconductor race by securing a high-profile partnership with LG AI Research.
As part of the collaboration, FuriosaAI will supply its cutting-edge RNGD accelerator chips to power LG’s newly launched EXAONE 4.0 platform—marking a major validation of the startup’s technology in a market dominated by giants like Nvidia.
EXAONE 4.0, unveiled last week by LG, is a next-generation hybrid artificial intelligence model focused on large language model (LLM) capabilities.
By integrating FuriosaAI’s RNGD chip, the platform aims to drive AI innovation across key sectors including electronics, finance, telecommunications, and biotechnology. The RNGD chip has been engineered specifically for AI workloads, offering optimized performance for LLMs while also delivering cost and energy efficiencies that set it apart from traditional GPUs.
In performance testing with EXAONE, the RNGD chip delivered 2.25 times the inference performance of comparable general-purpose GPUs, according to FuriosaAI. LG also reported improvements in energy consumption, bolstering the case for adopting purpose-built AI hardware over traditional solutions.
This partnership marks a rare public endorsement of a non-Nvidia AI chip by a major tech player, signaling a potential shift in industry dynamics. FuriosaAI CEO June Paik emphasized the significance of the deal, noting that LG’s decision was driven not just by performance benchmarks but also by the RNGD chip’s lower total cost of ownership.
“This is about more than speed—it’s about making AI computing more sustainable,” Paik told TechCrunch. “EXAONE is viewed as South Korea’s leading sovereign AI model. It won’t remain exclusive to LG, and we expect substantial demand both within Korea and from international partners.”
The announcement comes just months after FuriosaAI reportedly rejected an $800 million acquisition offer from Meta. While valuation was not a sticking point, disagreements over post-acquisition strategy and organizational structure led to the collapse of the deal. Meta has been actively seeking to reduce its reliance on external suppliers like Nvidia, and FuriosaAI’s custom chips had reportedly caught its attention.
“We want to continue our mission,” Paik said, when asked why FuriosaAI turned down the offer. “I believe it is an exciting opportunity, and an impactful contribution, both personally and for the company, to make AI computing more sustainable.”
Headquartered in Seoul with a satellite office in Santa Clara, California, FuriosaAI is a lean operation with a global team of just 15 people. While Paik declined to confirm whether the company is actively seeking new investment, he suggested the LG partnership could unlock a wave of international opportunities and strengthen South Korea’s standing in the AI hardware arena.
With this strategic partnership, FuriosaAI not only reaffirms its position as one of Asia’s most promising AI hardware innovators but also challenges the global status quo in AI chipmaking—bringing diversity and competition to a field currently dominated by a few tech giants.
