Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recounted how he first established the company’s 30-year partnership with TSMC in a video with Lex Fridman. In the late 1990s, Nvidia was a startup seeking a manufacturer for its graphics chips. Huang struggled to get TSMC to return his calls despite multiple attempts. He eventually wrote a letter to TSMC founder Morris Chang, which led to a breakthrough.
Huang received a call from Chang himself, who invited him to Taiwan to visit TSMC and its rival, United Microelectronics Corp. Huang was impressed by both companies but chose TSMC due to Chang’s emphasis on integrity and long-term partnerships. Chang reportedly promised to “jump through hoops” for Nvidia, a commitment that Huang said TSMC has upheld for three decades.
Today, TSMC manufactures Nvidia’s advanced AI chips, a testament to the enduring relationship forged through persistence and trust. Huang’s story highlights the importance of personal connections and integrity in business partnerships.