E127: Interview with CEO of Top AI Company Backed by Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures

5 snips

Jan 7, 2025

Felix Ejeckam, Co-founder and CEO of Akash Systems, shares insights on his company’s groundbreaking work in semiconductor cooling using synthetic diamonds. He highlights their recent $68 million CHIPS Act funding, emphasizing its impact on U.S. manufacturing and national security. Felix explains how this innovative technology can improve microchip performance by up to 90% and reveals the massive market potential spanning data centers, satellites, and more. His story of resilience through tough times and strategic adaptation makes for an inspiring listen.

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INSIGHT

High Cooling Costs

Cooling costs represent a substantial portion of data center operating expenses, about 40%.
Even smaller devices like iPhones face significant challenges related to heat and power management in their chips.

ANECDOTE

Diamond Ice Demo

Felix Ejeckam demonstrates diamond's heat conductivity by slicing an ice cube.
The diamond rapidly transfers heat from his fingers to the ice, showcasing its effectiveness in cooling applications.

INSIGHT

COVID's Silver Lining

The COVID-19 pandemic, while challenging, provided Akash Systems with an opportunity to refine its technology and strategy.
This "quiet time" allowed them to expand into new markets like AI and data centers, ultimately emerging stronger.

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In this episode of How I Invest, I sit down with Felix Ejeckam, Co-Founder and CEO of Akash Systems. Felix discusses how Akash is leveraging synthetic diamond technology to revolutionize cooling for high-power microchips used in AI servers and satellite communications. He shares insights on their $68 million CHIPS Act funding, the importance of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, and Akash’s journey through tough times to becoming a leader in cutting-edge technology. A must-listen for anyone interested in semiconductors, AI, or transformative tech innovations.

Highlights: What is Akash Systems? A company pioneering synthetic diamond cooling technology to enhance performance and efficiency in AI servers and satellite communications systems.

Synthetic Diamond Technology: How Akash grows lab-made diamonds and integrates them into chips to reduce cooling costs and improve performance by up to 90%.

Massive Market Opportunity: Targeting a $200-$400 billion market spanning data centers, satellite communications, EVs, smartphones, and defense systems.

CHIPS Act Funding: Akash recently secured $68 million in CHIPS funding to scale manufacturing, establish a semiconductor fab in Oakland, and support U.S. economic and national security goals.

Overcoming Tough Times: Reflecting on the challenges during COVID-19, Akash used the “quiet years” to refine its technology, expand into new markets like AI, and emerge stronger.

Staying Non-Consensus: The importance of conviction, foresight into market trends, and building a team that balances optimism and pragmatism.

What’s Next for Akash: Upcoming satellite launches, server shipments in Q1, and a trajectory to becoming the leading high-end AI server company globally.

Guest Bio: Felix Ejeckam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Akash Systems, a trailblazing company using synthetic diamond technology to transform semiconductor cooling and performance. Under Felix’s leadership, Akash has achieved groundbreaking innovations in AI servers and satellite communications systems, contributing to U.S. manufacturing and technological independence. Felix is passionate about fostering innovation and building resilient companies that thrive in challenging times.

Our Podcast now receives more than 200,000 downloads a month. Are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Please email me at dweisburd@gmail.com.

#VentureCapital #VC #Startups #OpenLP #AssetManagement

Stay Connected: X / Twitter: David Weisburd: @dweisburd Felix Ejeckam: @felixejeckam

LinkedIn: David Weisburd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Felix Ejeckam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixejeckam/

Links: Akash Systems: https://www.akashsystems.com/

Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at dweisburd@gmail.com.

(0:00) Episode preview (2:08) Akash Systems and the cost of cooling server chips (4:05) Chips Act funding (7:13) Competitive landscape in AI server market (11:33) US election impact on Akash Systems (12:39) Overcoming COVID-19 challenges (14:32) Building resilience and strategic pivots (19:30) Non-consensus investing strategies (22:38) Closing remarks