The Biden administration has compelled a Saudi Aramco-backed venture capital firm to divest its shares in Rain Neuromorphics, a Silicon Valley AI chip startup supported by Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI. The move comes as part of heightened scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), reflecting concerns about national security implications tied to the investment.
Rain Neuromorphics, an innovative startup specializing in the design of chips that emulate the functionality of the human brain, had secured $25 million in funding in 2022. The startup, backed by Altman, focuses on creating chips that mimic brain processes, catering to companies utilizing AI algorithms.
Aramco’s Prosperity7, a key investor in Rain Neuromorphics’ $25 million funding round, has reportedly sold its shares in the startup following a thorough review by CFIUS. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States is a watchdog overseeing deals with potential national security implications. As a result of the review, the Saudi fund was directed to unwind its investment in Rain Neuromorphics over the past year, according to sources cited in a Bloomberg report.
While Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI and a key figure in Rain Neuromorphics, has not yet responded to requests for comment, the U.S. Treasury, responsible for overseeing the CFIUS process, emphasized its commitment to safeguarding national security. The Treasury stated, “CFIUS is committed to taking all necessary actions within its authority to safeguard U.S. national security. Consistent with law and practice, CFIUS does not publicly comment on transactions that it may or may not be reviewing.”
CFIUS operates as an inter-agency committee tasked with reviewing foreign investments in U.S. businesses and real estate to identify and address potential national security concerns. The recent action against Prosperity7’s involvement with Rain Neuromorphics underscores the increased scrutiny on foreign investments in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in areas with potential national security implications.
This development also follows broader restrictions imposed by the U.S. on the export of sophisticated AI chips produced by companies like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. In August, the U.S. expanded restrictions to include certain countries in the Middle East, signaling a broader impact on AI development in the region.
As geopolitical considerations continue to influence investment and technological collaboration, the Rain Neuromorphics case exemplifies the challenges faced by startups operating in AI and semiconductor technology. The evolving landscape highlights the delicate balance between fostering innovation and addressing national security concerns in a rapidly advancing technological era.