Advanced Micro Devices (AMD, Financials) a semiconductor company known for processors, graphics chips and AI accelerators used in PCs, data centers and gaming systems, has invested in Japanese self-driving startup Turing through AMD Ventures.
The deal gives AMD a deeper role in Japan's autonomous driving market. Turing has also started using AMD AI accelerators for about 10% of its training workload. The move helps the startup reduce its dependence on Nvidia and lower computing costs as it prepares for commercial partnerships.
Turing said it raised $79 million through an extension of its Series A round, including equity and debt financing. The funding valued the company at about $600 million. AMD did not disclose the size of its investment.
The startup has expanded road tests from a 30-minute trial outside Tokyo last year to several urban locations across Japan. That progress could help Turing make its case to automakers as competition grows.
For AMD, the investment shows another route into the AI market beyond data centers. Investors will watch whether Turing can turn testing progress into auto partnerships and whether AMD can win more AI workloads from mobility customers.