Anthropic Hires Google Chip Lead for In-House Silicon

Anthropic PBC, the artificial intelligence research lab behind the Claude platform, has strategically hired Amir Salek, a pivotal figure from Google’s custom chip program. This recruitment signals Anthropic’s decisive move to establish an in-house semiconductor business, aiming to gain control over its critical AI infrastructure.

Salek’s extensive background includes launching Google’s tensor processing unit (TPU) business. He oversaw the delivery of its first seven chip generations until 2022, demonstrating significant expertise in custom silicon development. At Anthropic, he will join the compute team, reporting directly to James Bradbury.

Driving AI Infrastructure Autonomy

This strategic shift towards developing proprietary chips addresses Anthropic’s urgent need for robust data center infrastructure. The company seeks to support its ambitious AI endeavors and mitigate persistent supply chain shortages. Tailoring chip designs to specific operational requirements is a key objective.

Anthropic’s approach mirrors that of its competitor, OpenAI, which has also ventured into custom silicon. OpenAI collaborated with Broadcom Inc. to develop its own chip, codenamed Jalapeno, slated for deployment later this year. This highlights a growing trend among leading AI labs.

Expanding Compute Capabilities

Beyond internal development, Anthropic is actively expanding its compute capabilities through multiple external partnerships. The company reportedly placed an initial order of approximately $250 million worth of chips from UK-based startup Fractile, with plans for further expansion. This significant investment underscores its commitment to scaling operations.

Further strengthening its infrastructure, Anthropic has finalized capacity agreements with Riot Platforms Inc. and Volta Infra Holdings Ltd. These agreements aim to secure essential data center resources. Salek’s prior experience includes roles as a senior managing director at Cerberus Capital Management and a tenure at Nvidia, a major AI processor manufacturer.

The strategic integration of in-house chip development, led by an industry veteran like Salek, positions Anthropic to enhance its operational independence. This move aims to secure a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving and hardware-intensive artificial intelligence landscape.