Groq is an AI chip startup specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient AI inference solutions. The company’s core technology is the Language Processing Unit, a proprietary processor designed specifically to accelerate AI inference workloads like large language models. Groq claims the LPU can run some inference workloads with up to 10 times higher energy efficiency than rival graphics cards, a benefit stemming from architectural optimizations not found in competing chips.
Groq has raised $750 million, bringing the company’s valuation to $6.9 billion. The funding round was led by Disruptive, a backer of Databricks Inc., and saw participation from major investors including Cisco Systems, Samsung Electronics, Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners, and several investment firms, including Blackrock.
Groq, headquartered in Mountain View, California, United States, was founded in 2016 by Jonathan Ross. In 2021, the company joined the unicorn club. “Inference is defining this era of AI, and we’re building the American infrastructure that delivers it with high speed and low cost,” said Jonathan Ross, Groq founder and Chief Executive Officer.
