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FuriosaAI Rejects $800M Acquisition Offer From Meta, Focuses On AI Chip Development

FuriosaAI, a South Korean startup specializing in AI chips, has turned down an $800 million acquisition offer from Meta, opting instead to continue developing its AI chip technology, according to reports from local media.

The breakdown in negotiations was reportedly due to differences in business strategy and organizational structure post-acquisition, rather than concerns over the offered price.

Meta, which has been actively working to reduce its dependence on Nvidia for chips used in training large language models (LLMs), had shown interest in FuriosaAI’s specialized chips. The tech giant unveiled its custom AI chips last year and committed up to $65 billion for AI investments in 2025. However, FuriosaAI’s plans remain focused on refining and producing its AI chips, Warboy and Renegade (RNGD), which aim to challenge industry leaders like Nvidia and AMD.

Despite rejecting the acquisition, FuriosaAI is reportedly in discussions with investors to raise around $48 million (KRW 70 billion), with plans to finalize the funding this month. The startup has successfully tested its RNGD chips in collaboration with LG AI Research and Aramco, with LG reportedly planning to incorporate these chips into its AI infrastructure. FuriosaAI is on track to launch the RNGD chips later this year.

Founded in 2017 by June Paik, a former Samsung Electronics and AMD executive, FuriosaAI is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving AI chip market.

Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.

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