Etched Founder Gavin Uberti Reveals Inspiration Behind His Company's Success

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The Rise of Etched in the AI Space

The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 marked a significant turning point in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). This launch sparked a new wave of interest in AI companies, bringing attention to those that were already building innovative solutions. One such company is Etched, founded by Gavin Uberti, who recently sat down with TechCrunch’s Found podcast.

Etched’s Early Days and the Impact of ChatGPT

According to Uberti, Etched began exploring the idea of building chips focused on transformer models several months before the AI boom began in November 2022. While the company was already making progress, it was the release of ChatGPT that played a significant role in getting Etched off the ground.

"When we started out, GPT three was still very unique, a very differentiated kind of product," Uberti explained. "I couldn’t fathom why folks weren’t talking about it. But ChatGPT kind of changed that."

ChatGPT’s user-friendly interface and application showcased the potential demand for large-scale language models like transformer-based chips. This exposure sparked investor interest in AI, prompting Etched to raise a seed round and start building its transformative technology.

Etched’s Chip Technology and Competitive Advantage

Uberti emphasized Etched’s position as a leader in the transformer space, having started before other major players like Nvidia and Google entered the market. With an estimated 18-month head start, Uberti is confident that Etched will be the first to bring its chips to market.

"It’s too late for them," Uberti stated. "We have more than an 18-month head start on them, and we’re going to get to market way earlier."

Uberti drew a parallel between Etched’s chip technology and Bitcoin mining ASICs. Just as those companies were able to capitalize on the demand for specialized chips, Etched aims to do the same in the AI space.

The Building of Etched: Challenges and Lessons Learned

In addition to discussing Etched’s technological advancements, Uberti shared insights into the company’s formation process. He revealed that he dropped out of Harvard to focus on building the company, which presented both opportunities and challenges.

As a CEO, Uberti faced difficulties in hiring for such a complex area. "It was hard to find people who understood the space," he said. However, with perseverance and dedication, Etched has been able to assemble a talented team.

Uberti also touched on an often-overlooked aspect of company formation: setting up benefits for employees. Realizing that they had implemented benefits too late in their growth, Uberti warned other founders about the importance of establishing employee support systems from the outset.

Conclusion

Etched’s journey to becoming a leader in the AI chip market is a testament to innovation and determination. With its strong foundation and competitive advantage, Etched is poised to revolutionize the field. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to Etched’s groundbreaking technology.

About Gavin Uberti

Gavin Uberti is the co-founder and CEO of Etched. Prior to founding Etched, he was a student at Harvard University. Under his leadership, Etched has raised over $125 million in venture funding and is on track to make a significant impact in the AI space.

Links and Resources

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