The Rise of Nvidia: How the Company Became the Top Player in 2024

During Computex 2024, one of the largest tech fairs in the world held in Taiwan, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, was asked by a fan for his autograph in the bodice area. He hesitated, asking, “Are you sure? Is this a good idea?” His concerns were valid, considering that Nvidia is the third company with the highest market capitalization in the world, following only Apple and Microsoft. But what does Nvidia do, and why is it considered one of the most important companies in the world in 2024?

Nvidia, based in Santa Clara, California, saw its market valuation surpass 3 billion this week thanks to the artificial intelligence boom. However, many are still unclear about why a company founded in 1993 primarily focused on video games and 3D graphics is now among the elite group of Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet (Google). Some even estimate that Nvidia could surpass them all.

Initially, Nvidia started as a manufacturer of 3D boards for computers in the mid-90s, during the rise of three-dimensional transitions in video games. The company outperformed competitors like 3DFX and Voodoo, leading the way in technological advancements in graphics processing. Over time, Nvidia’s focus shifted from gaming to scientific computing, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

The company’s significant role in artificial intelligence is driven by its CUDA computing platform and the development of GPUs that are specifically tailored for machine learning processes. Nvidia’s ability to work closely with developers and adapt to emerging technologies has contributed to its success in the AI sector.

With almost 30 thousand employees worldwide in 2024, Nvidia continues to maintain a strong presence in the tech industry. Whether the AI bubble bursts in the future or not, Nvidia’s solid foundation and forward-thinking approach ensure its position as an elite company in the ever-evolving world of technology.