A major deal has taken place between a chip giant and an AI startup. According to multiple sources, the transaction involves approximately $20 billion in cash, with the core components being non-exclusive technology licensing and the movement of key talent.

Specifically, this collaboration is unique in that it is not a traditional full acquisition. The AI inference chip startup Groq will retain its independent company status and continue operations, including its cloud services business. The focus of the deal is on licensing related AI inference technology and integrating Groq’s technical team into a larger ecosystem.

Notably, there are personnel changes involved. Several core technical leaders, including Groq founder and CEO Jonathan Ross and President Sunny Madra, who previously worked on TPU chip design at Google, will join a new organization. Meanwhile, Groq’s former CFO Simon Edwards will assume the role of CEO.

From a valuation perspective, Groq was valued at approximately $6.9 billion in a funding round completed in September this year. This round was led by Disruptive, with participation from institutions such as BlackRock, Neuberger Berman, Samsung, and Cisco. In just a few months, the company's valuation has been reassessed, reflecting the market’s enthusiasm for AI inference technology.

Such large-scale technology licensing deals are uncommon in the chip industry, especially when it involves the critical AI inference track. On one hand, it highlights the market importance of inference chips; on the other, it demonstrates the industry consolidation trend driven by rapid AI technological iteration.