Mon. 01/13 – Nvidia Isn’t Happy With New Chip Rules

Jan 13, 2025 15m

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The Biden administration unveils its long planned new chip export rules, and Nvidia isn’t happy. That whole botched Sonos app debacle has cost the CEO his job. Why we might not see blockbuster tech IPOs this year. Why some of Nvidia’s customers are returning Blackwell chips. And say hello to China’s answer to Instagram.

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US imposes export controls on chips for AI to counter China (FT)
Sonos CEO Leaving After Botched App Revamp Led to Customer Revolt (Bloomberg)
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence steps down after disastrous app launch (The Verge)
Silicon Valley’s largest start-ups to shun IPOs in 2025 (Financial Times)
Nvidia’s Top Customers Face Delays From Glitchy AI Chip Racks (The Information)
Xiaohongshu, China’s answer to Instagram, hits no. 1 on the App Store as TikTok faces US shutdown (TechCrunch)

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AI-Generated Summary

New Chip Export Rules Announced

The Biden administration has unveiled new export rules for chips, particularly focused on AI technology, which has drawn criticism from major companies like Nvidia. The rules permit 18 key allies full access to AI chips while enforcing stricter licensing requirements for other countries, notably China. This approach aims to prevent circumvention of U.S. technology restrictions and bolster national security. Nvidia expressed concerns that these regulations would hinder innovation and economic growth, claiming they could undermine U.S. leadership in AI.

CEO Shakeup at Sonos

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence has resigned following a disastrous rollout of a revised mobile app that frustrated consumers and contributed to a decline in company growth. The app's issues, ranging from bugs to the removal of essential features, triggered a customer revolt and subsequent layoffs. Tom Conrad has been appointed interim CEO, as the board recognized the need for leadership change amid ongoing company turmoil.

Tech IPO Landscape for 2025

There are growing doubts about the number of tech IPOs expected in 2025, with significant fundraising rounds for leading companies like Databricks, SpaceX, and OpenAI potentially delaying their public offerings. Current capital holdings mean these startups may not feel pressured to go public soon, allowing them to grow without the scrutiny of public markets.

Nvidia Blackwell Chip Issues

Nvidia's newest AI chips, known as Blackwell, are experiencing delays and issues, causing major customers like Microsoft and Google to reduce their orders. Problems include overheating and connection glitches, prompting some customers to evaluate alternate chip solutions. Despite these challenges, Nvidia's Blackwell chip still shows superior energy efficiency which remains crucial for data center performance.

China's Answer to Instagram

As uncertainty looms around TikTok's future in the U.S., Xiaohongshu has emerged as a viable alternative, achieving significant success in app rankings. The app caters to social shopping and has developed a strong following among younger users in China. With substantial backing from major investors, it demonstrates the potential to present new opportunities for creators transitioning from TikTok.