---
title: "BREAKINGVIEWS-VCs whistle past AI unicorn reality check"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/274009132.md"
datetime: "2026-01-28T15:10:21.000Z"
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  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/274009132.md)
---

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# BREAKINGVIEWS-VCs whistle past AI unicorn reality check

(The author is a Reuters Breakingviews columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.)

By Sebastian Pellejero

NEW YORK, Jan 28 (Reuters Breakingviews) - SambaNova makes top-tier hardware for the burgeoning market of running trained AI models. While powerful, its systems compete against cheaper and easier to deploy rivals. Samba’s melting prospects and potential 68% fall in valuation are a warning for hardware startup valuations.

Full view will be published shortly. Follow Sebastian Pellejero on LinkedIn.

### CONTEXT NEWS

Artificial intelligence startup SambaNova Systems is now seeking $300 million to $500 million from other tech companies and semiconductor makers, among other investors, after talks to sell to Intel stalled, Bloomberg reported on January 21.

The company has attracted the attention of “additional large investors,” along with continued interest from Intel, and topped sales plans for its fiscal year ending this month, according to an email its chief executive sent to staff, Bloomberg reported on January 22. (Editing by Jonathan Guilford; Production by Pranav Kiran)

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