Nvidia became the first semiconductor company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization in 2023.
Nvidia’s rise was driven by demand for graphics processing units, or GPUs, used in gaming, scientific computing, and artificial-intelligence systems. Its CUDA software platform also helped make Nvidia hardware deeply embedded in many AI and high-performance-computing workflows.
The company crossed the milestone in May 2023 after its financial outlook signaled powerful growth from data-center and generative-AI demand. Nvidia was already one of the world’s most valuable chip companies, but the AI boom accelerated its market value dramatically.
The phrase “chip designer” matters because Nvidia primarily designs processors and platforms, while companies such as TSMC manufacture chips for many customers. Intel combines design and manufacturing, making industry comparisons more complicated than a simple list of semiconductor brands.