Nvidia Offers Revenue-Sharing Model for Aspiring AI Startups

What happened

Nvidia launched a revenue-sharing model where it grants token compute credits to AI startups and researchers in exchange for a share of their future sales. CFO Colette Kress announced the program on July 2, 2026. First companies involved include Sharon AI and Firmus Technologies.

Context and impact

The program addresses a long-standing barrier for smaller AI companies — access to expensive GPU infrastructure. For Nvidia, it extends the business model beyond hardware sales toward a long-term stake in the AI ecosystem. Nvidia will also connect data center operators with cloud service providers.

Details

• Model: token compute credits in exchange for future revenue share
• Target: researchers and nascent startups without GPU capital
• First partners: Sharon AI, Firmus Technologies
• Nvidia will also coordinate data center and cloud provider connections
• Creates a new usage-linked earnings stream for Nvidia