From washing dishes at Denny’s to rockstar of AI: the rise and fall of Nvidia’s Jensen Huang - The Guardian
Jensen Huang, the co-founder and former chief executive of Nvidia, has resigned following allegations of an affair with a Chinese spy and an Nvidia executive.
His resignation comes just weeks after Nvidia’s valuation hit a historic $5tn, making it the first company ever to reach that milestone.
However, the stock has since fallen to about $4tn, a stark reversal of fortune driven by the scandal.
From Denny's to the boardroom
Huang’s rise to the top of the tech world is a story of humble beginnings and relentless ambition.
Before becoming a multibillionaire, he worked as a dishwasher and waiter at a Denny’s restaurant in the United States.
He has often credited those early jobs with teaching him humility and the value of hard work.
"It teaches you humility, it teaches you hard work, it teaches you hospitality," he said in 2023 of his time at the diner chain.
The architect of the AI boom
Huang’s company, Nvidia, makes the graphics processor units (GPUs) that are now essential for the development and operation of AI systems.
These chips, originally designed for video games, have become the primary tool for powering the voracious data-crunching needs of artificial intelligence.
Huang’s technical expertise and ability to create networks of his chips have made Nvidia the main supplier of 'shovels' in the AI gold rush.
His charismatic leadership and close ties with global leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, have cemented his status as a tech rockstar.
A fall from grace
The allegations that have led to Huang’s downfall involve an affair with a Chinese spy and another with an Nvidia executive.
These revelations have brought a sudden and public end to the reign of a man once celebrated for his magnetic charisma.
Huang’s 3.6% stake in the company, worth $145bn, has not shielded him from the fallout.
The scandal has not only cost him his job but has also triggered a significant drop in the company's market value.
The company is now facing a critical period as it seeks to navigate the leadership vacuum and restore investor confidence.
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