Nvidia to Acquire Hugging Face for $12.9B, Open-Platform

Nvidia agreed to acquire Hugging Face for about $12.9–$13 billion, expanding Nvidia's reach from hardware into AI software infrastructure by anchoring a leading open-model ecosystem. The deal would keep Hugging Face as an open, multi-cloud, multi-accelerator platform, with Jensen Huang emphasizing neutrality and ongoing support for open models. Hugging Face hosts millions of models and datasets and would become a central hub in Nvidia’s broader AI strategy, potentially accelerating growth to hundreds of millions of AI builders with Nvidia’s resources. Analysts note the emphasis on open-weight models and the balance between open ecosystems and platform control, as Nvidia seeks to avoid antitrust-style backlash while securing a software layer. The transaction is Nvidia’s largest to date and follows strong quarterly results, underscoring a market shift toward AI infrastructure investments. Questions remain about Hugging Face’s long-term independence and how it will coexist with Nvidia’s hardware stack.