In the world of computer technology, the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU) stand as the twin powerhouses. They serve distinct purposes and handle different types of data. The CPU is omnipresent, inhabiting computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even televisions. Its primary task is managing general information on the device, ensuring that the software runs smoothly. In contrast, the GPU acts as the CPU’s complementary counterpart, specializing in the handling of intricate workloads. It excels in domains like supercomputing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and extensive data analysis, where numerical precision reigns supreme.
Recent global chip shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have pushed major chip manufacturers to seek alternatives to standard chips. These measures are aimed at maintaining a steady supply of semiconductors while also improving cost-efficiency and productivity at the chip level. This is where the Data Processing Unit (DPU) enters the scene. The DPU works alongside CPUs and GPUs, offloading communication networking from these processors. In doing so, it optimizes workload for cloud and data centers, reducing the cost associated with more expensive GPUs and CPUs.
One of the pioneering DPU developers, MangoBoost, has recently secured $55 million in a Series A funding round for its DPU hardware and software solutions. These solutions are designed to assist enterprises and data centers in efficiently managing vast amounts of data while optimizing workloads. Although the startup has not disclosed its valuation in this funding round, insiders estimate MangoBoost’s valuation at approximately $300 million. This round of funding brings the total raised by the company to $65 million.
MangoBoost, with offices in Seattle and Seoul, claims that its DPU solution empowers data centers to curtail power consumption, enhance performance, and ensure cost-efficiency and security. The company asserts that its DPU can achieve threefold higher performance compared to existing solutions and reduce CPU usage by up to 95% when combined with Samsung’s Petabyte SSD storage system.
The newly acquired funds will be instrumental in MangoBoost’s efforts to enhance its product development and operations. The startup’s offerings span various facets, including DPU hardware IP, DPU software, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)-based DPUs, ASIC (Application-specific integrated circuits)-based DPUs, AI-based DPUs, customized DPU solutions, and DPU-enhanced systems. In addition, MangoBoost intends to double its workforce by the end of the next year, expanding from the current 58 employees, of which 71% are part of the R&D team.
Jangwoo Kim, CEO of MangoBoost, highlights that the company’s efficiency in DPU technology stems from over nine years of research and development. This deep understanding of how DPU technology functions within data centers was cultivated through extensive research conducted at the Seoul National University laboratory.
The DPU market is undergoing increased competition, as tech giants and semiconductor leaders like Intel, Nvidia, AMD, Amazon, and Microsoft invest in DPU vendors to enhance their optimization technology for data center services. Numerous companies offer DPU-like technologies, including Microsoft’s FPGA Smart NIC and Amazon’s Nitro.
MangoBoost stands out by providing an extensive and customizable range of DPU features to meet each customer’s unique needs. They offer AI server DPUs, big data server DPUs, and cloud server DPUs, ensuring a comprehensive suite of DPU hardware and software solutions tailored to diverse customer requirements.
As MangoBoost engages in discussions with several potential customers for partnerships, the startup also showcased its collaboration with Samsung at the OCP Summit 2023. Their collaboration revolved around the implementation of MangoBoost’s customized DPU to accelerate Samsung’s Petabyte storage system.
The Series A funding round was co-led by South Korean venture capital firms IMM Investment and Shinhan Venture Investment. Other participants included Korea Development Bank, KB Investment, Hong Kong-based IM Capital, and Premier Partners.
In a dynamic landscape marked by escalating demand for data management and processing, MangoBoost’s innovative DPU technology may prove to be a game-changer, helping organizations optimize their operations while reducing costs and enhancing performance.