NVIDIA AI Chips Used as Loan Collateral: Startup Secures $10 Billion through Accelerators

In a fascinating twist for AI startups, new financial models now enable these companies to secure loans by using NVIDIA’s AI chips as collateral. This innovative approach to financing is gaining traction, raising intriguing possibilities for the industry.

NVIDIA AI Chips: Leveraging GPUs for Financing Opportunities

The market for artificial intelligence is experiencing an explosive growth phase, prompting companies to invest billions into cutting-edge hardware and software. Amidst this fervor, a novel avenue has emerged that allows AI firms to potentially gain access to substantial funding—reportedly in the billions. According to a report by The Information, Fluidstack, a cloud startup based in London, secured over $10 billion from financial institutions like Macquarie. This advancement signifies the substantial financial value of NVIDIA’s AI GPUs in market transactions.

– According to a report by The Information, Fluidstack, a London-based cloud startup, recently received approval from lenders like Macquarie for over $10 billion in loans collateralized by Nvidia GPUs.- In the past, CoreWeave pioneered a new financing model, raising a total of… pic.twitter.com/twqheOlm45

— Jukan Choi (@Jukanlosreve) July 9, 2025

This innovative financing model traces back to CoreWeave, a company that has received backing from NVIDIA for both investments and hardware. CoreWeave successfully utilized NVIDIA’s H100 AI GPUs to secure loans totaling approximately $9.9 billion, demonstrating how GPU-backed financing can effectively support business growth. With this arrangement, CoreWeave can reinvest the funding into acquiring additional accelerators, perpetuating a cycle of growth and investment in AI technology.

However, it is important to note the nuances of this arrangement. Reports suggest that the GPUs are held in secure “lock boxes, ”serving as collateral during the loan term until repayment is fulfilled. While this strategy affords startups a unique leverage point, there are risks involved, particularly concerning the depreciation of AI hardware. As NVIDIA continues to introduce newer models, such as the latest generations of AI chips, the value of older models may decline sharply, presenting a potential gamble for lenders.

NVIDIA Reportedly Sold 'Half a Million' AI GPUs In Q3 2023, Courtesy of Demand From Major Tech Firms — Image Source: greeniberica

Furthermore, if a startup falls short in meeting its debt obligations, there is a risk that the collateralized AI chips could flood the market. Such an influx could create pressures on NVIDIA and its supply chain partners. While evaluating GPUs as security assets is a contentious strategy, the critical role of AI computing in today’s landscape suggests that it may offer significant prospects for financial institutions willing to explore this terrain. As always, it is insightful to consider the broader implications of this financing model—perhaps you could share what thoughts or experiences you have with MicroStrategy (MSTR) in the comments below?

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