Cognichip
Redwood City, US · Founded 2024 · 93 employees on LinkedIn · 8 known investors
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863 people in our graph share verified history with the Cognichip team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Paul Kwanunlockedknows Ehsan Kamalinejad · together at Stanford University (overlapped)
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Cognichip develops Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI), an AI system designed to accelerate semiconductor design by reducing design effort and time-to-market for chip manufacturers. The platform aims to address the hardware development bottleneck by automating chip design workflows and making the process more accessible to the semiconductor industry.
Founders & leadership
Cognichip was founded in 2024 by Faraj Aalaei and Ehsan Kamalinejad.
FA
Faraj AalaeiinFounder & Chief Executive OfficerHe previously co-founded and led Centillium and Aquantia as CEO, both taken through IPO, and served as Executive VP of networking and automotive businesses at Marvell Semiconductors after it acquired Aquantia; earlier in his career he worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories, and he holds a BSEE from Wentworth Institute of Technology, an MSEE from the University of Massachusetts, and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire.
EK
Investors · 8
Funding
SEC filings, press & company announcements$120M disclosed across 2 of 4 rounds · 2025–2026
- $60MSeries AApr 2026Source ↗
- $60MraisedApr 2026 · 2 sourcesSource ↗
- Undisclosed amountSeedMay 2025Source ↗
Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.
Competitors · 4
by search overlapChipAgents10 shared keywordsChip Agents develops autonomous AI systems for chip design, automating ASIC design flows and semiconductor engineering processes. The company serves semiconductor companies and chip design teams seeking to accelerate chip development and verification workflows.
Cognigy6 shared keywordsCognigy, part of NiCE Systems, provides conversational and generative AI solutions for customer service, including AI agents, intelligent IVR, and agent assistance capabilities that integrate with enterprise systems. The platform serves businesses seeking to deliver personalized customer support across multiple channels and languages.
Freethink6 shared keywordsThe Solutions Project supports and funds a network of community-based organizations working on climate justice in disinvested communities, backing efforts in renewable energy, clean water, regenerative agriculture, and policy advocacy. It focuses on amplifying frontline voices most affected by climate change and environmental inequality.
Cognixion6 shared keywordsCognixion develops non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and adaptive assistive technology that provide communication and control for people with complex disabilities. Its multimodal systems combine intent, context, and accessible spatial computing across interfaces such as the Apple Vision Pro.
Companies competing with Cognichip for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.
In the news
Startup Funding: Q2 2026semiengineering.com · Jul 2026Frequently asked questions
- What does Cognichip do?
- Cognichip develops Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI), an AI system designed to accelerate semiconductor design by reducing design effort and time-to-market for chip manufacturers. The platform aims to address the hardware development bottleneck by automating chip design workflows and making the process more accessible to the semiconductor industry.
- Who founded Cognichip?
- Cognichip was founded by Faraj Aalaei, Ehsan Kamalinejad in 2024.
- Who are Cognichip's investors?
- Cognichip's investors include Candou Ventures, FPV, Global Catalyst Partners Japan, Lux Capital, Mayfield Fund, NewBuild.VC, VSC Ventures, SBI Investment.
- How much funding has Cognichip raised?
- Cognichip has disclosed $120M raised across 2 of its 4 known rounds.
- Where is Cognichip headquartered?
- Cognichip is headquartered in Redwood City, US.