Elon Musk Podcast How Intel's CEO Got Richer While Rescuing the Company
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Dec 11, 2025 The discussion dives into Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan's controversial proposal to buy an AI startup he chairs, which the board rejected due to conflict of interest concerns. A bidding war with Meta escalated the price while Tan's financial ties raise eyebrows about his influence on Intel's direction. The podcast also explores his connections with SambaNova and various investments that benefit him personally, alongside scrutiny of Intel's conflict-management policies and governance issues that could impact the company's future.
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Rivos Pitch Led To A Bidding War
- Lip Bu Tan pitched Intel's board to buy Rivos while serving as Rivos chairman and investor. A bidding war with Meta later pushed Rivos' sale price to about $4 billion, boosting payouts for shareholders including Tan.
Network Strength Creates Structural Conflicts
- Intel hired Tan for his deep venture network to rescue a company that lost $19 billion. That same network creates structural conflicts because he holds stakes in firms Intel may want to buy or invest in.
SambaNova Talks Involve Tan's Firms
- Tan has long backed SambaNova through his venture firm and became its executive chairman in 2024 after struggles. He pitched Intel on buying SambaNova and the companies signed a non-binding term sheet while talks continue.