Intel Corp (NASDAQ:INTC) is expected to invest an additional $15 million in SambaNovaaccording to reported information.
Intel expands its investment in SambaNova and increases its stake
According to Reuters, the move would increase its stake to around 9%, citing company documents.
The chip manufacturer had already invested $35 million in February 2026, bringing its stake to 8.2%, compared to 6.8% a year earlier.
The two companies had also announced a strategic collaboration earlier this year.
SambaNova develops chips designed to power generative AI models.
Deals involving CEO raise governance questions
This new investment is part of a broader scheme. Intel has recently backed several startups linked to its CEO, Lip-Bu Tana longtime venture capitalist whose funds have stakes in several of these companies.
This includes OPAQUE Systems, EPIC Microsystems et 3D Glass Solutions.
Corporate governance experts have flagged these types of agreements as potential red flags, noting that they could indirectly further the CEO’s personal financial interests.
However, at least one expert said the recently disclosed information does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, according to the report.
Trump called Intel CEO “a person with many conflicts of interest”
Tan’s investment holdings have come under scrutiny in the past. In April 2025, reports emerged that venture capital firms had invested in more than 600 Chinese companies, some of which had alleged military ties.
This led the president Donald Trump to demand Tan’s resignation, describing the Intel CEO as a “person with numerous conflicts of interest.”
A White House statement later said Tan addressed those concerns in a meeting in the Oval Office, paving the way for collaboration on U.S. national and economic security.
In September, Trump publicly praised Intel’s rising stock price after Tan struck a deal with Nvidia.
Intel defends its oversight and cites industry standards
In a statement, Intel said it maintains strict governance policies and board oversight to ensure its decisions serve the interests of its shareholders.
The company added that it had already invested in several of these startups before Tan became CEO.
She also noted that cross-investments are common in specialized sectors such as semiconductors and advanced computing.
Intel did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
The development of AI by SambaNova takes place in a difficult context
SambaNova, which aims to compete Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) in AI hardware, has faced some headwinds, including layoffs and difficulty raising funds.
Additionally, a potential acquisition by Intel did not materialize.
The startup has since refocused on AI inference – the computing power needed to run models such as chatbots – and says it is aligning its strategy and new chip offerings with this demand.
Price movement: Intel closed at $48.03, up 8.84% on Wednesday and rose further after the market closed at $48.16, a gain of 0.27%, according to Benzinga Pro.
According to the Benzinga’s Edge Stock RankingsIntel has solid medium- and long-term growth potential, but weaker short-term performance, with a Momentum rating at the 92nd percentile.
Warning :Â This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was edited and published by Benzinga editors.
