AheadComputing, a startup founded by former Intel engineers, is betting big on RISC-V to redefine the future of computing. With $21.5 million in seed funding led by Eclipse and backed by legendary chip designer Jim Keller, the Portland-based company is on a mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Their goal? To create a 64-bit RISC-V microprocessor architecture that challenges the dominance of x86 and Arm. And they’re not just dreaming—they’re building.
Debbie Marr, AheadComputing’s CEO and a former Intel Fellow, believes the current computing ecosystem is in “disarray.” She sees chaos as an opportunity. “The industry is undergoing a major transformation,” she says, “and we believe our team has the unique expertise to create a new and improved ecosystem for the future.” With co-founders Jonathan Pearce, Srikanth Srinivasan, and Mark Dechene, Marr is leading a team of 40 engineers who are rapidly expanding their vision.
RISC-V’s open architecture, flexibility, and cost advantages make it a compelling alternative to proprietary systems like x86 and Arm. If rumors about Arm manufacturing its own chips are true, RISC-V could gain even more traction. AheadComputing plans to adopt an IP licensing model, much like Arm, and target key markets like cloud computing, AI, and mobile. But Marr isn’t just focused on big-picture trends—she’s zeroing in on per-core performance, which she calls the “cornerstone of multi-processor system efficiency.”
With seed funding in hand, AheadComputing is hiring top talent and developing core IP. The startup is also seeking strategic partners to accelerate its push into high-growth markets. As the computing world braces for a seismic shift, AheadComputing is positioning itself at the forefront. Will RISC-V become the architecture of the future? Only time will tell, but this startup is ready to lead the charge.
