Samsung backs AI chip startup Rebellions ahead of IPO push
South Korean AI semiconductor company Rebellions has secured new funding from the Samsung Catalyst Fund , as it gears up for a fresh capital raise of up to $200 million and prepares for a potential initial public offering . The deal marks a significant endorsement from one of the country’s largest tech conglomerates and underscores the intensifying race to develop custom chips optimized for AI workloads.
Founded in 2020, Rebellions is one of a handful of startups globally developing AI accelerators as alternatives to dominant providers like NVIDIA. The company’s latest processor, ATOM , is tailored for AI inference in data centers and was built using Samsung’s 4-nanometer process , reflecting a deepening technological and strategic partnership.
The investment comes at a time when governments and corporations across Asia are looking to reduce reliance on U.S. chipmakers. By backing Rebellions, Samsung not only supports domestic innovation but also positions itself within the global supply chain of next-gen AI hardware — a critical component for future infrastructure in both commercial and defense sectors.
Rebellions previously raised capital from investors including Temasek’s Pavilion Capital and Kakao Ventures. With the new round expected to reach between $150M and $200M , the company is looking to scale production and gain traction ahead of its anticipated listing.
As the demand for AI-specific chips accelerates, Rebellions joins a growing cohort of companies betting on custom silicon to power the next generation of intelligent applications. The backing from Samsung adds both credibility and momentum to that mission.
Source:
A.M.
