The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, has made a strategic investment in US-based AI semiconductor startup Positron, participating in the company’s latest $230 million funding round.
While the exact size of QIA’s commitment was not disclosed, the move signals Qatar’s growing ambition to become a key player in the global artificial intelligence supply chain.
Challenging Nvidia With a $1 Billion Valuation
The funding round, which was led by Arena Private Wealth, Jump Trading, and Unless, elevates Positron to a $1 billion valuation. The startup is entering the highly competitive semiconductor market with a clear mission: to challenge industry giant Nvidia.
Positron is developing cheaper and more energy-efficient memory chips specifically designed to run advanced AI models. The company expects to launch its first-generation chip, named Asimov, by the end of 2026, with full-scale production planned for early next year.
A Pillar of Qatar’s National AI Strategy
This investment is a key component of QIA’s broader strategy to build a formidable presence in the global technology sector. The $580 billion fund has recently accelerated its focus on AI through several major initiatives.
In December, QIA launched a dedicated subsidiary, Qai, tasked with developing, managing, and investing in advanced AI infrastructure both domestically and internationally. Shortly after, Qai announced a $20 billion joint venture with Canada-based Brookfield to build out AI infrastructure in the Gulf and other global markets.
QIA’s deep-tech portfolio also includes stakes in other high-profile ventures, including Elon Musk’s xAI and the US quantum computing startup PsiQuantum, underscoring its commitment to backing foundational technologies.
About Qatar Investment Authority
The Qatar Investment Authority is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. Established in 2005, its mission is to invest, manage, and grow the country’s reserves to create long-term value for future generations. With a global portfolio spanning multiple asset classes and regions, QIA is a major investor in the international technology sector.
Source: AGBI
