AI Chip Startup Groq Secures $1.5 Billion Investment From Saudi Arabia

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2025

Groq, a U.S.-based AI semiconductor startup, has secured a $1.5 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to expand its advanced AI chip delivery in the country. The startup, founded by a former Alphabet AI chip engineer, specializes in AI inference chips that optimize speed and execute commands for pre-trained models.

Groq already has a partnership with Aramco Digital, the tech arm of oil giant Aramco, through which they developed a key AI hub in the region in December. The investment will fund the expansion of Groq’s data center in Dammam, with the startup having obtained the necessary licenses to export its chips despite U.S. export controls.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The announcement was made at Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2025 event, where the country also secured $14.9 billion in AI investments. One of the technologies supported by the Dammam Center is Allam, an AI language model developed by the Saudi government that operates in both Arabic and English.

In August, Groq raised $640 million in a funding round led by Cisco, Samsung, and BlackRock, bringing its valuation to $2.8 billion.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Travis Kalanick Launches Atoms Startup Focused On Mining And Transport

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 16, 2026

From Uber To A New Vision

Travis Kalanick, the former CEO and founder of Uber, has launched a new startup called Atoms. The company expands on technology initiatives previously developed within Kalanick’s firm City Storage Systems. City Storage Systems built CloudKitchens, a delivery-focused restaurant infrastructure business that previously reached a valuation of about $15 billion.

Stealth Mode To Breakthrough

Atoms has operated largely in stealth for several years while developing its technology platform. During a recent episode of the TBPN podcast, Kalanick said the company has expanded its focus beyond food delivery infrastructure. The business now includes several divisions, including Atoms Food, Atoms Mining and Atoms Transport, which focus on automation and industrial systems.

Innovation In Robotics And Self-Driving Technologies

Highlighting its innovative approach, Atoms is pioneering the development of gainfully employed robots – specialized machines designed to boost productivity and deliver societal value. Industry sources, including a report by The Information, have noted that Kalanick is preparing to roll out a robotics and self-driving car platform, backed by key investors from his past ventures with Uber. This strategic move seeks to capitalize on the convergence of automation and transportation technologies.

Resiliency And Reinvention

Kalanick discussed the development of the company in a statement published on the Atoms website. In the message, he described the period following his departure from Uber and his efforts to build new technology ventures. The transition from City Storage Systems’ food infrastructure business to Atoms reflects a broader focus on automation and robotics.

The Future Of Atoms

Atoms plans to apply robotics and automation technologies across several industries, including food services, mining and transportation. The company’s strategy outlines the integration of robotics systems into existing industrial operations as it develops new automation platforms.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram