FuriosaAI just scored a major partnership with LG AI Research to power LG’s latest EXAONE AI platform using its custom AI chip, RNGD. The deal aims at big industries like electronics, finance, telecom, and biotech.
RNGD is built specifically for large language model workloads and outperformed rival GPUs by 2.25x in inference tests with EXAONE. FuriosaAI says its chip offers better energy efficiency and cuts total cost of ownership compared to Nvidia-based solutions.
This comes three months after FuriosaAI said no to Meta’s $800 million buyout offer. The two clashed over future strategy and company structure, not money. Meta wants to cut Nvidia reliance by buying AI chip startups like FuriosaAI, but FuriosaAI wants to stay independent. 
CEO June Paik told TechCrunch:
“We want to continue our mission, and I think it’s an exciting opportunity at the same time.
I believe it’s a very impactful contribution, both personally and for the company, to make AI computing more sustainable.”
Paik didn’t confirm if FuriosaAI will seek new funding now that a Meta acquisition is off the table.
LG’s EXAONE 4.0 is seen as South Korea’s leading sovereign AI model. Paik says it won’t just stay confined to LG but will be key across the Korean AI ecosystem and global customers, thanks to the partnership.
This deal is also a big public win against Nvidia for FuriosaAI because of its lower costs and AI-specific chip architecture. It doesn’t try to do generic GPU tasks like rendering or crypto mining. FuriosaAI operates with just 15 global employees across Seoul and Santa Clara.
