The Samsung Catalyst Fund is Samsung Electronics’ evergreen multi-stage venture capital fund that invests in the new data economy and strategic ideas for Samsung’s mobile, device solutions and consumer electronics groups. Investment spans across Automotive, Robotics, Digital Health, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Infrastructure, and Device-Level Solutions. Through Samsung Catalyst Fund, entrepreneurs are enabled by Samsung’s global brand, manufacturing and distribution, domain expertise, recruiting network, and world-class Innovation Fellows for advice and mentorship.

Samsung Catalyst Fund

UMC Capital was established in February 2001 as the direct investment arm of world leading semiconductor foundry UMC. By leveraging the resources of UMC and its affiliates, UMC Capital is well positioned to deliver significant strategic values to startup companies.  The mission/objectives of UMC Capital are: identifying innovative technologies, forming mutually productive relationships with entrepreneurs, exploring and expanding emerging and applications, and earning financial returns for the parent company UMC.

UMC Capital

Hanwha Corporation manufactures and sells explosives worldwide. The company offers industrial explosives; cladding and demolition materials; fireworks; explosive inflators; nitric acid, liquid ammonium nitrate, and ammonia; and blasting products. It also provides ballistic and cruise-type guided weapon systems; precision smart ammunitions; underwater sonar sensors, navigation devices, seekers, and laser target designators; small- and medium-sized unmanned systems; and more. In addition, the company trades oil products, plastic processed products, and inorganic chemicals; steel, nonferrous metals, and other raw materials; components for the machinery industry, welding facilities for shipbuilders, heavy equipment for construction sites, and vehicles; and paper products. Hanwha Corporation provides engineering and construction services for building, plant, and environment facilities, and others; operates athletic facilities, hotels, sports clubs, and department stores; develops, manages, and leases real estate properties; manages golf courses and resorts; manages deposits and installment savings; and offers shipping, leasing, asset management, and insurance agency and brokerage services. It also manufactures and trades machinery, petrochemicals, and synthetic resins; processes and distributes agricultural, livestock, and forest products; manufactures compounds, silicon ingots, bearings, and car parts; and generates solar energy. It is also involved in water treatment, pharmaceutical, environmental pollution, aquarium operation, incinerator, institutional foodservice and restaurant, packaging, forest development, reforestation, resources development, tourism, and catering businesses. Hanwha Corporation was formerly known as Korea Explosives Corp. and changed its name to Hanwha Corporation in March 1993. It was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

Hanwha

At Event Horizon, they accelerate great ideas from initial conception through to market. They focus on understanding and testing value-proposition and growth assumptions, product/market, and overarching business and product strategy. They use this understanding, coupled with their love for cutting-edge technology and big-picture thinking, to build exceptional businesses.

Event Horizon

Raptor Capital is an alternative investment firm focused on blockchain and decentralized finance markets.

Raptor Capital

BRV committed to being the first institutional investor for entrepreneurs.

Ignite Innovation Fund is an early stage fund backing founders driven to succeed beyond their local market.

Ignite Innovation Fund

Grandfull Convergence Fund

DreamBig Semiconductor

DreamBig is developing a cutting-edge chiplet platform that drives the next wave of affordable, scalable, and modular semiconductor solutions for the AI era and beyond. DreamBig is renowned for providing the most advanced Chiplet Hub, facilitating the scaling of processor, accelerator, and networking chiplets. The company's specialties include applications in Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI, Data Centers, Edge computing, and Automotive sectors.

DreamBig Semiconductor develops high-performance accelerator platforms using Chiplet Hub with 3D high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technology. The company created the open "MARS Platform," an open chiplet platform that enables customers to develop scalable and composable semiconductor solutions for applications such as LLMs, GenAI, data centers, Edge computing, and automotive sectors.

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovations with Generative AI Infrastructure

Generative AI Infrastructure

Open AI chiplet startup DreamBig Semiconductor raises $75M in funding

DreamBig Semiconductor develops high-performance accelerator platforms using Chiplet Hub with 3D high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technology. The company created the open "MARS Platform," an open chiplet platform that enables customers to develop scalable and composable semiconductor solutions for applications such as LLMs, GenAI, data centers, Edge computing, and automotive sectors.Launched in January 2024, the MARS Platform's Chiplet Hub features a memory-first architecture, providing direct access to SRAM, DRAM, CXL, and SSD memory tiers from all compute, accelerator, and networking chiplets. The platform solves key challenges of scaling up compute and scaling out networking for AI servers and accelerators.DreamBig's Chiplet Hub supports universal architecture for CPU, AI, accelerators, I/O, networking, and memory chiplets within a unified platform. It incorporates hardware acceleration technologies like fully associative cache/memory management, direct memory access (DMA), and RDMA for efficient data transfer. The platform also features virtual PCIe/CXL switches for optimized resource allocation and algorithmic TCAM hardware acceleration for match/action processing when scaled out to the cloud.Key competitors: None comparable (DreamBig Semiconductor is the only firm we have identified that specializes in providing a high-performance accelerator platform to optimize and scale AI hardware.)

<div>
 
 Founded in Israel, NeuReality specializes in providing hardware infrastructure to streamline computation processes to accelerate the development of AI applications. Its technology assists AI inferencing deployment by offering a comprehensive system solution that seamlessly supports a vast array of deep learning models.
 
 
 NeuRealitys&rsquo; infrastructure includes an architecture called the Network Addressable Processing Unit (NAPU) to maximize the capabilities of Deep Learning Accelerators (DLAs). This design facilitates inference through purpose-built NAPUs that are specifically crafted for AI inference tasks, enhancing performance and efficiency.
 
 
 The NR1 AI Inference Solution by NeuReality is a comprehensive system comprising architecture, hardware, and software platforms. Launched in November 2023, it intends to simplify the installation, utilization, and management of AI, making it accessible and manageable for users.
 
 
 The hardware offerings of the solution include,
 
 
 1. 
 NR1 Network Addressable Processing Unit
 : A network addressable inference Server-on-a-Chip with an embedded Neural Network Engine, which is a workflow-optimized hardware device with specialized processing units, native network capabilities, and virtualization capabilities
 
 
 2. 
 NR1-M&trade; AI Inference Module
 : A full-height, double-wide PCIe card containing one NR1 Network Addressable Processing Unit (NAPU) system-on-chip and a network addressable Inference Server that can connect to an external Deep Learning Accelerator (DLA)
 
 
 3. 
 NR1-S AI Inference Appliance
 : An optimized design for an inference server that contains NR1-M modules with the NR1 NAPU, which enables disaggregated AI service in a scalable and efficient architecture
 
 
 The software component of the solution is designed to be compatible with any trained model from any development environment. It includes tools that handle the entire AI pipeline and enable seamless connection of AI workflows to any environment.
 
 
 NeuReality differs from traditional AI chip connectivity in replacing CPU-centric support with an AI-centric platform. This allows components to communicate directly with AI accelerators, eliminating the need for commands to pass through a central processing unit. Additionally, the technology enables AI accelerators to connect with each other, enhancing efficiency and performance in AI applications. It also claims its AI-centric approach reduces complexity, cost, and power usage. The firm claims it can reduce inference costs by 90%.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In November 2021, NeuReality teamed up with IBM to develop advanced AI inference technology by enhancing its NR1 chip and system for use in IBM's Hybrid Cloud.
 
 
 In September 2021, the company partnered with Xilinx to develop AI-centric platforms that improve real-world AI applications. This collaboration was intended to focus on NeuReality's AI-centric inference platform NR1-P and address existing issues with AI deployment including cost and complexity.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27745">
 March 2024
 </a>
 , NeuReality secured USD 20 million in funding led by The European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. The funds were intended to accelerate the deployment of NeuReality&rsquo;s NR1AI Inference Solution.
 
 
 In December 2022, it secured USD 35 million in a Series A funding round led by Samsung Ventures, with Cardumen Capital, Varana Capital, OurCrowd, XT Hi-Tech, and others as participants. The funding was used to launch its flagship AI inferencing solution.
 
</div>

NeuReality

<div>
 
 Accubits is an AI and BLOCKCHAIN focused development and solutions company based in Washington DC with its development offices in India and Dubai. Pioneering as a custom Blockchain solutions provider delivering solutions ever since 2012, Accubits is one of the oldest and experienced Blockchain dev house in the market and is featured as one among the top 13 Blockchain companies in India by INC42. We are a big family of engineers, innovators, inventors and many others continually working to help our customers in leveraging their business and adding value to their lives. Over the past 6 years, We have delivered more than 600 projects, for over 200 clients worldwide. Several of Fortune 500 companies in sectors from Retail to Health are being powered by our solutions to streamline and leverage their growth.Our portfolio for AI solutions includes intelligent conversational tools, RPAs, CRMs, SIPs, real-time video and image analytics systems, state of the art ALPR systems and many more being used enterprises, startups across North America, Canada, Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, India &amp; Sweden. Our portfolio of Blockchain development includes custom DApps and smart contracts, crypto token and exchange development, integrated blockchain services and ICO platforms.
 
</div>

Accubits

<div>
 
 LeewayHertz is a leading software development company delivering tailor-made digital solutions to businesses worldwide. Our team of 250+ full-stack developers, designers and innovators has designed and developed 100+ digital solutions across industry verticals. As a close-knit team of AI and web3 experts, designers and full-stack developers, we undertake collaborative research and development to create next-gen applications and solutions perfectly suited to the evolving tech space. As a technology pioneer with deep knowledge and expertise in AI, blockchain and other advanced technologies like IoT, LeewayHertz believes in helping companies overcome their most complex tech challenges and drive business growth. Our motto, &lsquo;You Dream It: We Build It,&rsquo; reflects our business philosophy. From putting flesh on your idea to delivering the expected end product, we do whatever it takes to make your project successful. Having worked with 30+ top fortune 500 companies and created various on-demand solutions, we boast an impressive work portfolio demonstrating our expertise.
 
</div>

LeewayHertz

Databricks, a data and AI company established by the original developers behind prominent Big Data solutions such as Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and MLflow, and provides organizations with AI and data analytics tools for efficient management of their data.Databricks' primary product is the Databricks Lakehouse platform, a unified data intelligence platform that merges a data warehouse and data lake to provide developers with efficient access to data and enables enterprise customers to create their AI models—similar to a ChatGPT-style AI system—using only their internal data.Databricks Unity Catalog, part of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform, provides unified governance for structured and unstructured data, machine-learning models, notebooks, dashboards, and files across various environments, offering automated monitoring, proactive alerts, and seamless data sharing through Delta Sharing integration. Furthermore, Databricks offers an open architecture that streamlines the AI development process, allowing the integration of various LLMs such as Llama 2, Azure OpenAI, and Anthropic, enabling customization with enterprise data for tailored model creation.Notably, Lakehouse leverages NVIDIA technology for accelerated data processing and AI model generation. Databricks also offers industry-specific solutions like Databricks Lakehouse for Healthcare, Financial Services, Retail, and Manufacturing.Databricks has expanded its offerings through multiple acquisitions, including MosaicML ( <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19683">July 2023 </a>), Arcion ( <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23041">October 2023 </a>), Okera ( <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18197">May 2023 </a>), and Datajoy (October 2022). Key customers and partnershipsAs of July 2023, Databricks served a global customer base of approximately 10,000, including notable customers such as Comcast, DuPont, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, Shell, and Tata Steel.Notable partnerships include collaboration with NVIDIA to incorporate NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM into its inference service and a partnership with Hevo-Data to automate data integration into the lakehouse for mutual customers (October 2022).Databricks also partnered with Karini AI to accelerate GenAI deployment for enterprises (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33687">September 2024</a>)Databricks also provides an LLM Mesh partner program; it has partnered with firms such as <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24218">Dataiku </a>where an emphasis is placed on comprehensive data access, enabling tight integration of GenAI applications with enterprise data.

Databricks

<div>
 
 Labelbox offers a data-centric AI platform for enterprises, enabling them to develop, optimize, and use AI to solve complex problems and power new products and services.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
 
 Labelbox&rsquo;s platform offers capabilities for building, optimizing, training, fine-tuning LLMs, and AI-enabled data labeling automation.&nbsp;
 
 
 Its products include&nbsp;
 
 
 1) Catalog: A platform for building AI applications with features such as advanced search capabilities and optimizing data for labeling budgets
 
 
 2) Annotate: A data labeling solution designed to streamline and accelerate labeling operations using automation tools and pre-labeling techniques
 
 
 (3) Model: Offers tools for data enrichment, model-assisted labeling, and custom Foundry Apps to automate data management tasks and improve AI model performance&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
 
 (4) Boost: Offers fully managed tailored solutions such as on-demand data labeling services to enhance AI development speed and efficiency.&nbsp;
 
 
 As such, Labelbox enables companies to streamline the fine-tuning and alignment of LLMs and enables the validation of outputs through techniques such as reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF), reinforcement learning from AI feedback (RELIEF), and evaluation. This incorporation of human expertise ensures more accurate, contextually relevant, trustworthy, and secure results from LLM systems.
 
 
 The platform is offered through a SaaS subscription model with packages ranging from free subscriptions with limited usage and custom pricing for enterprises.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The firm's solutions have use cases across diverse industries, including retail, consumer internet, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. Labelbox has a large portfolio of customers, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Blue River Technology, a smart AgriTech company that used Labelbox's model-assisted labeling suite to enhance its See &amp; Spray technology in smart agriculture, resulting in herbicide cost savings of 70%&ndash;80. Labelbox's customers also include several Fortune 500 companies, such as Walmart, P&amp;G, Audi Adobe, Airbnb, Bayer, and Bosch.
 
 
 Key partnerships include a long-term collaboration with 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21770">
 Google Cloud
 </a>
 to facilitate digital transformations in retail, consumer internet, financial services, and manufacturing and logistics.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In January 2022, the firm raised USD 110 million in Series D funding led by SoftBank's Vision Fund 2. The company planned to utilize the funds to finance company expansion.
 
 
 
</div>

Labelbox

Integrated solutions that handle various processes such as model training, fine-tuning, model deployment, monitoring, and maintenance in working with and deploying LLMs

Platforms that provide hardware such as high-performance CPUs, GPUs, or TPUs, including cloud-based solutions that are commonly used to train and run GenAI models efficiently

Platforms that assist with fine-tuning pre-trained GenAI models or custom models tailored to specific use cases. Includes services that train models from scratch or use existing models

Platforms that store and retrieve training data in vector databases for access during the model training phase

Services to deploy GenAI models (on-premises or cloud-based) into production environments and integration tools to support existing systems and workflows

Ongoing monitoring of GenAI models to ensure performance. Includes regular model retraining, performance optimization, and troubleshooting

Platforms that assist in designing and refining prompts or instructions to GenAI models to get the desired responses or outcomes

Platforms that enable safe, responsible, and ethical GenAI deployment, ensuring compliance with regulations and/or protection against GenAI-based cybersecurity threats.

All services offered by these companies provide support to AI/ML

NLP is a key component of generative AI which is the core focus of this hub.

All companies within this space are offering infrastructure for generative AI

Generative AI infrastructure hub covers companies that deploy and run these foundation models.

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>

DreamBig Semiconductor, an AI chiplet startup, secured a funding of USD 75 million in a Series B round. The round was jointly led by Samsung Catalyst Fund and the Sutardja Family, with Hanwha, Event Horizon, Raptor, among others, as new investors. Existing backers included UMC Capital, BRV, Ignite Innovation Fund, and Grandfull Fund. 

The raised funds are allocated for the acceleration of the development of DreamBig's chipset platform and its product, Chiplet Hub. This product empowers consumers to construct high-performance AI chips through a modular chipset design methodology. 
 
DreamBig's MARS chiplet platform aims to tackle scaling issues in AI servers and accelerators. It awards direct access to various memory tiers like static RAM, dynamic RAM, and 3D high-bandwidth memory. This grants consumers the flexibility to develop bespoke chips for GenAI, automotive, and Edge computing applications.

</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 GenAI hardware infrastructure providers have seen increased investor interest recently, given heavy enterprise demand to scale AI workloads. Other notable recent rounds by hardware providers include CoreWeave’s USD 7.5 billion round ( <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/29565"> May 2024 </a> ) and Etched.ai’s USD 120 million round ( <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/30812"> June 2024 </a> ).

DreamBig Semiconductor

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