NVIDIA Chronicles Episode 2: The Origin Story of an Unusual Chip Startup Born from a Late-Night Denny’s Meeting in 1993

Welcome to the second episode of NVIDIA’s Chronicles! If you’re not familiar with the remarkable journey of Jensen Huang, the iconic CEO of NVIDIA, you’re in for a treat. This episode unveils captivating details surrounding the inception of NVIDIA, offering a fresh look at events that shaped the tech landscape.

Although six months have passed since the previous installment of NVIDIA Chronicles, the anticipation has been worth it. You may recognize Jensen Huang for his signature “black leather jacket”during keynotes, but have you ever pondered his motivations for founding NVIDIA after secure roles at AMD and LSI Corporation? In this episode, we’ll explore the early days of NVIDIA, initially dubbed “NVision, ” before transitioning to its more recognized name.

The seeds of NVIDIA were sown in the 1990s during a pivotal moment in gaming history. The demand for enhanced graphics surged following the launch of groundbreaking titles such as Virtua Racing (1992) and Virtua Fighter (1993).These games showcased the first widespread use of polygon graphics, creating a significant leap in gaming visuals—akin to the impact of NVIDIA’s innovation with DLSS. Around this time, Jensen and co-founders found themselves at Sun Microsystems, which was facing financial struggles due to extensive expenditures that eventually led to its decline, a situation Jensen was keenly aware of.

The Iconic Meeting at Denny’s in East San Jose

With his colleagues resigning to chase a shared vision of creating a graphics chip for PC gaming enthusiasts, the opportunity appeared ripe, reminiscent of the current AI boom. Curious about why they chose Denny’s? Jensen’s experience working as a server there made it a familiar haunt, which he appreciated for its “cheap coffee”and notably quieter atmosphere—a conducive backdrop for brainstorming. Their discussions led to the groundwork for NVIDIA, culminating in a series of meetings over breakfast. This venture was not the product of a single inspiration; it was a collaborative effort spanning several days.

Three talented engineers, stepping away from well-paying jobs, were on the cusp of altering the course of the tech industry. Inspired by the successes seen at Sun Microsystems and fueled by Huang’s expertise with microchips, the vision for this startup seemed destined to materialize. In an engaging tidbit for new NVIDIA enthusiasts, you might be wondering about the origins of the name “NVIDIA.”

Birthplace of NVIDIA — The booth where NVIDIA was conceived

The name NVIDIA derives from Latin, meaning “green with envy.”This suggestion came directly from Huang, spurred by a colleague’s desire for a name instilling envy among competitors. Fast forward a few decades, and NVIDIA has become a household name, revered by retail investors, a testament to the visionary groundwork laid in the 90s when few recognized the potential of graphical computation.

Fun Fact: Huang’s journey began with financial constraints; he had to ask colleagues for contributions in exchange for shares, raising a total of $600 to cover initial legal fees. These truly were humble beginnings.

With the groundwork established, NVIDIA took its first steps. As Jensen reflected, navigating the complexities of a nascent startup in an undefined market wasn’t easy. He humorously stated that if given the chance to build NVIDIA again, he might not take it. This wraps up the second episode of NVIDIA’s Chronicles. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we will delve into NVIDIA’s first graphics chip and the challenges Jensen faced during its development.

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