More than three decades ago, in an unconventional meeting in a restaurant Denny’s In northern California (United States), NVIDIA was born, today one of the most valuable companies in the world with a market value that reaches 2 trillion dollars. It was in this place, where Jensen Huang, one of the co-founders and current visible face of the company, began working as a dishwasher and waiter. Together with him, Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem They drew the first sketches of what would become the main manufacturer of advanced chips worldwide.
Since its founding, Nvidia has stood out for being a pioneer in the development of chips that facilitate the generation of realistic 3D graphics on personal computers. However, behind the spotlight, Priem, who served as technical director for the company’s first decade, played a crucial role in its success, leading the original technical design of these innovative chips.
Despite his significant contribution, Priem is remembered as the forgotten co-founder, mainly due to his early retirement and sale of most of his shares following Nvidia’s IPO in 1999.
The company’s listing on the stock market marked a turning point, reaching a market value of $1.1 billion. Shortly thereafter, Priem established the Priem Family Foundationdepositing more than 75% of its participation in Nvidiawhich today would be equivalent to about 100 million shares.
However, by 2006, the entrepreneur had sold all his shares and withdrew from public life, concentrating his efforts on philanthropic initiatives and personal projects.
Despite moving away from the technological field, Priem has left a lasting legacy through his philanthropy, contributing significant sums to various causes and especially to his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His donations, which amount to $275 million since 2001, represent 40% of the total donations received by the institution during this period, financing projects such as a new auditorium.
The principles and growth of Nvidia They reflect not only the vision of their founders but also the fluctuations and challenges inherent to the dynamism of the technology sector. While Huang and Malachowsky remain active in the leadership and daily operations of the company, the retirement of Priem of the technological world highlights the diverse trajectories that industry pioneers can take.
Although the co-founder has some regrets about his decision to sell his shares, his legacy in Nvidia and his contributions outside of it continue to be reasons for admiration.
NVIDIA’s story, from humble beginnings to becoming a technology giant, is a testament to innovation, strategy and, in the case of Priem, a reflection on decisions and their long-term impacts.
