Nvidia has already committed more than $40 billion to equity investments in AI companies in the first months of 2026, according to CNBC. The bulk comes from a single $30 billion investment in OpenAI, but the chipmaker has also announced seven multi-billion dollar deals in publicly traded companies, including up to $3.2 billion in glassmaker Corning and up to $2.1 billion in data centre operator IREN.
Nvidia participated in around two dozen private startup funding rounds in 2026 alone, following 67 venture deals in 2025. The investment strategy has drawn recurring criticism over circular deal-making, with capital flowing between Nvidia and its own customers. Wedbush Securities analyst Matthew Bryson acknowledged the pattern but suggested the investments could help Nvidia build a lasting competitive moat if successful.
