After a tumultuous four years at the helm of Intel, Pat Gelsinger is embarking on a new journey in venture capital. Gelsinger, who was ousted by the chipmaker in December, has joined Playground Global as a general partner. This move marks a significant transition for Gelsinger, who spent 45 years in the technology industry, including three decades at Intel where he became its first chief technology officer.

Playground Global: A Venture Capital Powerhouse

Playground Global, founded in 2015 by a group that included Android founder Andy Rubin, focuses on early-stage investments in deep technology. The firm has over $1.2 billion in assets under management and is currently deploying capital from its third fund, which closed at $410 million in 2023. Playground Global's portfolio includes companies at the forefront of next-gen compute, automation, energy transition, and engineered biology.

Gelsinger's Vision and Role

Gelsinger's decision to join Playground Global was influenced by the firm's existing structure and scale. "It's about scale," Gelsinger said, adding that starting a venture firm from scratch would require "10 hard years to get it". At Playground, Gelsinger will leverage his extensive experience to identify and scale pioneering technologies. He will also join the board of xLight, a portfolio company developing lasers for semiconductor manufacturing.

Exciting Ventures in AI and Quantum Computing

One of the technologies Gelsinger is particularly excited about is quantum computing. Unlike classical computers that use bits, quantum computers use qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, potentially performing calculations that are currently impossible. Gelsinger looks forward to working with PsiQuantum, a Playground portfolio company that is raising $750 million or more in fresh capital at a $6 billion valuation. PsiQuantum aims to build the world's first utility-scale, million-qubit quantum computer, which could revolutionize fields like drug discovery and materials science.

The Broader Impact of Gelsinger's Move

Gelsinger's move to venture capital is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the growing importance of deep technology and AI in shaping the future of various industries. Secondly, it underscores the role of venture capital in nurturing and scaling these transformative technologies. Gelsinger's experience and vision will be instrumental in guiding Playground Global's investments and mentoring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

The Future of AI and Quantum Computing

As Gelsinger transitions to his new role, he remains optimistic about the future of AI and quantum computing. He anticipates that quantum computers will "materially impact computing structures before the end of this decade". This aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where AI is increasingly being integrated into various applications, from healthcare to cybersecurity. The potential for AI to revolutionize industries is immense, and Gelsinger's expertise will be crucial in navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Pat Gelsinger's move to Playground Global marks a new chapter in his distinguished career. His experience in the tech industry, particularly in semiconductor and AI innovation, will be invaluable as he helps shape the future of deep technology investments. With Playground Global's focus on early-stage ventures and Gelsinger's strategic insights, the partnership is poised to drive significant advancements in fields like quantum computing and next-gen compute. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Gelsinger's leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in steering these transformative technologies towards a brighter future.