In a twist of fate, two of the world’s leading AI chip design companies, Nvidia and AMD, are led by individuals who share a familial bond. Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s co-founder and CEO, and Lisa Su, AMD’s CEO since 2014, are distant cousins.
The revelation came to light in 2020 when Su disclosed the family connection during an interview. Through further research by family heritage expert Wu Jia Jin, it was confirmed that the two tech leaders are indeed close cousins.
This familial link has sparked intrigue and raised eyebrows in the tech world. The odds of two companies at the forefront of the AI revolution being led by relatives are remarkably slim. It begs the question: does talent and success run in the family?
Huang, recognizing the significance of this connection, has acknowledged Su not only as a relative but also as a respected industry partner. When asked about AMD as a competitor in the GPU space, Huang dismissed the idea, stating, “We’re family. We’re all in the industry. We buy from AMD!”
Huang’s lighthearted comment highlights the friendly rivalry and mutual respect that exists between these two prominent figures in the tech landscape.
Su’s career journey is equally impressive. Before joining AMD in 2012, she held leadership positions at several top tech companies, including Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor. She spearheaded AMD’s foray into the gaming console market, securing partnerships with Microsoft and Sony to use AMD chips in the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Su’s vision and leadership helped AMD emerge from the shadow of Intel, ultimately leading to the successful launch of the Ryzen processor line. This groundbreaking innovation established AMD as a major player in the processor market.
Su’s accomplishments have propelled her to billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. While this pales in comparison to Huang’s immense fortune of $111 billion, it reflects her significant impact on the tech industry.
The story of Huang and Su’s family connection serves as a testament to the intricate web of relationships within the technology world. It showcases the mutual respect and camaraderie that can exist even among competitors, reminding us that success often involves collaborating with and learning from those around us, even family.
