In 1997, a young Nvidia, far from the tech giant it is today, faced a formidable adversary: Intel. An upcoming book, The Nvidia Way by Tae Kim, offers a glimpse into this pivotal era, revealing a company culture driven by fierce competition and a relentless pursuit of innovation. An excerpt shared by Marketplace sheds light on CEO Jensen Huang’s rallying cry to his employees, setting the stage for Nvidia’s remarkable journey.
The launch of the RIVA 128 graphics card marked a significant milestone for Nvidia, but Intel’s subsequent release of the i740, boasting double the frame buffer, posed a serious threat. Huang, recognizing the danger, addressed his team with unwavering determination. “Make no mistake,” he declared, “Intel is out to get us and put us out of business.” He urged his employees to embrace the challenge, emphasizing the urgency of their mission: “Our job is to go kill them before they put us out of business. We need to go kill Intel.”
This excerpt paints a picture of a frenetic work environment, with Huang and his team often putting in 15-hour days. The intensity was palpable, fueled by Huang’s demanding leadership style. He was known for his direct approach, often “unloading” on the first person he encountered each morning, creating a sense of urgency and accountability within the company. One anecdote describes Huang questioning an employee at a urinal about their current project, leaving the employee fearing for their job.
This historical perspective provides valuable context for understanding Nvidia’s meteoric rise. Today, Nvidia boasts a market cap that rivals Apple and Microsoft, exceeding $3 trillion and often claiming the title of the world’s most valuable company. This achievement is even more striking considering Intel’s current struggles, a stark contrast to its dominant position in the late 1990s.
The irony of the situation is undeniable. In 1997, Intel held the market dominance that Nvidia now enjoys, leaving observers to ponder who will emerge as the next challenger to Nvidia’s throne. The excerpt from The Nvidia Way offers a compelling narrative of ambition, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in disrupting the status quo, ultimately shaping the landscape of the tech industry.
The shift in fortunes between Nvidia and Intel underscores the dynamic nature of the tech world. While Intel once held a commanding position, Nvidia’s innovative spirit and aggressive strategy propelled it to the forefront. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing competition in the tech industry.
