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Jensen Huang Was a Cheerleader for AI Startups. Now What?

Reported by WSJ
Nov 13, 2026· 2 min read
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Key Takeaways
  • • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned after reported affairs with two women, one of whom was possibly a Chinese spy, according to WSJ.
  • • Huang was a prominent champion of AI startups and a prolific investor through Nvidia, with particular advocacy for open-source and open-model businesses.
  • • Nous Research chief Dillon Rolnick said the resignation affects the industry: "If I said it doesn't affect us, I'd be a liar."
  • • AI research and development startup Mirendil raised $1 billion, according to a WSJ newsletter item.
Summary
The AI startup sector was unsettled by news that Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO and a leading public face of AI optimism, had resigned after affairs with two women, one of whom was possibly a Chinese spy, according to WSJ. Industry participants were actively discussing how the development could affect the sector.

Huang is co-founder of one of the world's most valuable companies and has been a visible champion of AI startups. Nvidia, under his leadership, has been a prolific investor in the space. WSJ reports that Huang was an especially strong advocate for open-source and open-model businesses.

Dillon Rolnick, chief of open-source AI startup Nous Research, told WSJ Pro's Yuliya Chernova that the news would affect his company. "Without a public vocal strong champion for open-source, it leaves a bit of a void for how we continue to champion the business principles we care about," Rolnick said.

In a separate item in the same newsletter, WSJ reported that AI research and development startup Mirendil raised $1 billion. The newsletter item did not provide further details on the investors or valuation.

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Sources

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AlphaMaven summarised this story from the reporting below. Each link opens the original article.

WSJ Jensen Huang Was a Cheerleader for AI Startups. Now What?