Semiconductor giant AMD has announced a significant acquisition, purchasing Silo AI, Europe’s largest private artificial intelligence lab, for $665 million in cash. This strategic move aims to enhance AMD’s AI solutions for enterprise customers, utilizing the company’s advanced chip technology to create robust AI models.
The acquisition positions AMD to compete more effectively against industry rivals like Nvidia. Silo AI, headquartered in Helsinki with operations across Europe and North America, has a track record of success with clients such as Allianz, Philips, Rolls-Royce, and Unilever. Known for developing open-source and multi-lingual large language models (LLMs), Silo AI also offers the SiloGen model platform.
Silo AI’s projects include collaborations with companies like Nokia and with the Combient consortium, which includes Ericsson, to provide custom AI models to various enterprises.
Vamsi Boppana, SVP of AMD’s Artificial Intelligence Group, remarked, “Across every industry, enterprises are looking for fast and effective ways to develop and deploy AI solutions for their unique business needs.” He emphasized that Silo AI’s expertise in AI models and solutions will accelerate AMD’s AI strategy.
Nishant Batra, Nokia’s Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Silo AI has been a significant partner in various AI-related projects. We eagerly anticipate the enhanced capabilities resulting from the combination of AI technologies and AMD’s innovative computing solutions.”
Peter Sarlin, CEO and co-founder of Silo AI, will continue leading the AI unit within AMD’s AI Group, directly reporting to Boppana. The acquisition is expected to finalize in the second half of the year.
This acquisition is part of AMD’s broader strategy, which includes recent purchases of Mipology and Nod.ai, and an investment exceeding $125 million in a dozen other AI companies over the past year. The company highlighted the acquisition’s boost to its AI capabilities, mentioning it will gain access to world-class AI scientists and extensive AI model development experience.
Peter Sarlin expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We have a history of delivering successful AI products and solutions. We look forward to scaling our impact and enhancing enterprise solutions and AI models under AMD’s umbrella.”
