Chinese AI chip maker Black Sesame raises nearly USD 100 million in Series B round

Black Sesame Technologies, which is based in Silicon Valley and Shanghai, announced that it has closed its Serious B round, raising close to USD 100 million, 36Kr reported on Friday.

Legend Capital and China’s major automaker SAIC Motor were among the investors.

Black Sesame, whose mission is to “build intelligence on chip that sees through the world,” said the proceeds will be used for research and development on controlling units for autonomous driving vehicles and software integration.

The company said it develops AI algorithms for chips and applications, specializing in autonomous driving, smartphones, and consumer electronics. Specifically, it builds the software and hardware needed for sensing and imaging units in self-driving cars.

Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO was the leading investor in the Black Sesame’s Series A round of USD 15 million.

36Kris the parent company of KrAsia. Contact the writer at jingli@kr-asia.com.