Puneet Kumar (Rivos)
Overview
Puneet Kumar is an influential figure in the technology industry, best known for his role as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rivos, a semiconductor startup specializing in RISC-V-based server solutions. With a deep background in computer science and semiconductor design, Puneet has positioned Rivos as a notable competitor in the AI hardware market, particularly against industry giants like Nvidia. Under his leadership, Rivos aims to revolutionize data center hardware through energy-efficient, high-performance AI processing chips.
Recent Developments
- 2025: Rivos aims to raise up to $500 million in a fresh funding round, potentially increasing its valuation to over $2 billion. This move supports the development of RISC-V-based GPUs, which are intended to compete with Nvidia by offering cost-effective solutions for AI inference tasks.
- 2024: Rivos overcame a legal battle with Apple, which accused the startup of trade secret theft. The lawsuit was settled in early 2024, allowing Rivos to secure an additional $250 million in Series A-3 funding. Matrix Capital Management spearheaded this funding round, increasing the startup's momentum in AI chip production.
- 2024: Leveraging TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology, Rivos prepared to launch its first silicon product. The funding from various investors, including Intel Capital and MediaTek, is used to enhance manufacturing operations and platform hardware.
- 2025: The company showcased its progress in developing software that could translate Nvidia’s CUDA code to run efficiently on Rivos chips, potentially easing the transition for customers and broadening its market appeal.
- 2023: Despite not yet launching a mass-produced chip, Rivos reached significant milestones by delivering prototypes to TSMC for trial production and targeting a broader AI inference market.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Puneet Kumar |
| Born | Not disclosed |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Rivos |
| Known For | Co-founder of Rivos, AI Hardware |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | PhD in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University |
| Residence | Mountain View, California, USA |
Early Life and Education
Puneet Kumar developed an interest in technology at a young age, growing up surrounded by the burgeoning tech landscape of Silicon Valley. This enthusiasm led him to pursue higher education at Carnegie Mellon University, where he obtained a Doctorate in Computer Science, specializing in areas that would later prove foundational to his career in semiconductor design and AI.
Career and Notable Achievements
Puneet Kumar's career trajectory includes:
- Google (2010-2021): Served as Senior Director, contributing significantly to systems and software architecture.
- Agnilux (2009-2010): As VP of Engineering, he played a pivotal role in the company's technological developments.
- Apple Inc.: His tenure at Apple further solidified his expertise in chip design and software engineering.
- Rivos (2021-present): Co-founded Rivos, focusing on RISC-V architecture to address AI and data analytics needs.
Under Puneet's leadership, Rivos secured major investments and built a team of industry veterans, positioning the startup as a formidable player in the AI chip market.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Puneet Kumar is focused on steering Rivos toward becoming a leader in AI hardware. The company's approach to integrating RISC-V architecture with advanced chip design aims to provide an alternative to dominant players like Nvidia. The impact of his work is seen not only in the technological advancements but also in promoting open-source architectures in the semiconductor industry.
Rivos Funding
Rivos has been actively involved in securing funding to support its growth and development:
- In 2024, the startup raised $250 million from investors, which was pivotal in its expansion plans.
- As of 2025, Rivos is seeking up to $500 million to take on giants like Nvidia, with a goal of mass-producing AI chips by 2026.
Puneet Kumar LinkedIn
Puneet Kumar's LinkedIn profile showcases his extensive experience and accomplishments in the tech industry. It highlights his leadership roles at Rivos and previous positions at top tech firms, contributing to his reputation as a visionary in AI and chip design.
Rivos Careers
Rivos is frequently on the lookout for talented individuals to join its team, emphasizing opportunities in various engineering disciplines. With offices across the USA, UK, EU, and Asia, the company aims to harness global talent to drive innovation in AI hardware.
Conclusion
Puneet Kumar stands out as a visionary in the technology sector, steering Rivos towards challenging established players with innovative, energy-efficient AI processing solutions. His approach combines technical prowess with strategic leadership, potentially leaving a lasting impact on AI and semiconductor industries.