TSMC's Morris Chang Once Offered Nvidia's Jensen Huang the Top Job

In a surprising revelation, TSMC's founder Morris Chang offered Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang the top job at the Taiwanese chipmaker over a decade ago, as recounted in Chang's new memoir. The intriguing tale sheds light on the deep connections and strategic moves that have shaped both TSMC and Nvidia's paths to global prominence.

In 2013, Morris Chang was searching for a successor to lead TSMC. At the time, 82-year-old Chang had returned to the CEO role amid the global economic turmoil, boosted CapEx to meet future demand, and landed Apple as a major client. With his eyes set on succession, Chang considered two options: appointing an outsider with a proven track record or promoting someone from within the company. Huang, with his outstanding leadership and semiconductor expertise, was a strong contender for the former.

As the co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, Huang had already made waves in the tech world. He had created one of the major companies that commanded 60% of the global GPU market and was expanding into data centers, smartphones, and consumer electronics. Despite Chang's admiration, Huang politely but firmly declined the offer, stating that he already had a job elevating Nvidia to new heights.

Undeterred, Chang approached Huang again a few weeks later. However, Huang remained resolute, emphasizing his commitment to Nvidia and its growth potential. This decision ultimately proved wise, as Nvidia has since become a global leader in AI and advanced chip technology, revolutionizing graphics processing and powering data centers.



The mutual respect and friendship between Chang and Huang have spanned over two decades. Despite Huang's refusal, the two men have praised each other in public, with Huang crediting Chang and TSMC for contributing to Nvidia's success. This longstanding relationship has been mutually beneficial, with TSMC sending production staff to assist Nvidia in 1998 and Nvidia becoming one of TSMC's key customers.

TSMC's partnership with Nvidia has been instrumental in both companies' growth and market dominance. As Nvidia's biggest customer, the Taiwanese chipmaker's advanced manufacturing capabilities have enabled Nvidia to produce cutting-edge chips, driving its success in AI and high-performance computing. Conversely, Nvidia's growth has contributed to TSMC's revenue and market share.

In the ever-evolving semiconductor industry, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions pose significant challenges. However, both TSMC and Nvidia have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of these headwinds. By diversifying their customer bases and exploring new markets, these tech giants continue to solidify their positions as industry leaders.

The story of Morris Chang's attempt to recruit Jensen Huang offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersecting journeys of two titans in the tech industry. Despite their paths diverging, their shared commitment to innovation and excellence has shaped the future of semiconductors and AI. As investors, it is essential to understand the deep connections and strategic moves that drive the success of these companies, ultimately informing our investment decisions.