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The Decoder
Nvidia is acquiring Poolside's "Model Factory" and 109 employees for $6 billion
Nvidia is set to acquire Poolside's Model Factory, enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities with a $6 billion investment. The deal also involves the hiring of 109 employees who contributed to the development of the Laguna model. Interestingly, while Nvidia plans to monetize the Model Factory, the transaction is not classified as a conventional acquisition but rather a strategic licensing agreement. This approach allows Nvidia to bolster its technology portfolio without triggering regulatory scrutiny that often accompanies traditional acquisitions.
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Published 21 Aug 2026, 10:10 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Nvidia is acquiring Poolside's Model Factory for $6 billion.
- 109 employees involved with the Laguna model will join Nvidia.
- The deal includes a license for Poolside's technology.
- Nvidia also invests $1 billion at a $12 billion pre-money valuation.
- The founders of Poolside are remaining with the company post-deal.
Interesting facts
- The transaction is positioned as a licensing agreement, not a traditional acquisition.
- Nvidia has previously engaged in similar strategic deals with other firms.