For years, Nvidia has led the AI chip sector, but the period of complete reliance may be drawing to a close.  

OpenAI has unveiled its intentions to energize the market with Jalapeño, its exclusive inference chip crafted with Broadcom, aligning with Google, Apple, and SpaceX as part of an expanding roster of companies attempting to escape the perils of a single supply source. The objective is more like a strategic defense than a total split. Custom silicon provides enhanced control, hardware optimized for distinct applications, and similar performance advances that Apple achieved after departing from Intel. 

In this installment of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O’Kane delve into the significance of the custom chip phenomenon for the sector and spotlight a few noteworthy deals of the week. 

Tune into Equity on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and various platforms. You can also follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod.