Efficient Computer raises $97 million for low-energy chips

Efficient Computer Co., a startup specializing in low-energy chips, has closed a $97 million funding round. This marks the company’s second major investment this year, following a $60 million round in February, bringing its total funding to $650 million. The round was led by TQ Ventures with participation from several other firms, including Toyota Ventures and Union Square Ventures.

The company is developing a new type of computer chip based on a data flow architecture. Efficient Computer claims this technology could potentially reduce energy consumption by up to 100 times compared to the x86 architecture used by Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. The company suggests its chips could theoretically allow devices to operate for months or even years on a single charge.

This efficiency is aimed at addressing the high energy demands of modern artificial intelligence environments. Co-founder and CEO Brandon Lucia noted that current specialized processors used for AI workloads often involve a ‘devil’s bargain,’ sacrificing programmability and adaptability for speed and efficiency.