Unlocking Innovation—How Semidynamics Leverages RISC-V

Feb 26

Written By Jothy Rosenberg

FEBRUARY 26, 2025 | 00:34 | Episode 58

Roger Espasa, CEO of Semidynamics

ABOUT MY GUEST

Roger Espasa

Roger Espasa is the founder and CEO of Semidynamics located in Barcelona, an IP supplier of two RISC-V cores targeted at high performance computing and Machine Learning.

Prior to Semidynamics, Roger was at Broadcom working on an ARMV8 wide out-of-order core and before that Roger worked at Intel developing a vector extension for the x86.

Between 1999 and 2001 Roger worked for the Digital Equipment Corp’s Alpha Microprocessor Group on a vector extension to the Alpha architecture known as Tarantula.

Roger got his PhD from UPC in 1997, has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers on high performance processor architectures. Roger is the inventor on 9 patents.

Summary

Roger Espasa, the esteemed founder and CEO of Semi Dynamics, engaged in a profound discourse on the intricacies of innovation within the realm of high-performance computing and machine learning. Central to our conversation was the notion that the journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, yet it is the persistent pursuit of completion and excellence that defines success. Espasa articulated his personal motivations for founding Semi Dynamics, stemming from experiences in larger corporations where pivotal projects were often abandoned, leaving him with a profound sense of frustration. He emphasized the significance of perseverance and the relentless drive to see initiatives through to fruition, akin to reaching the summit of a mountain after a challenging ascent. As we delved deeper, Espasa elucidated how the RISC V revolution has provided a fertile ground for innovation and competition, contrasting the restrictive nature of established architectures. This episode serves as a compelling narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of resilience and the willingness to chart one’s own course in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Story

Roger Espasa, founder and CEO of Semi Dynamics, shares his journey from working in major tech companies to starting his own venture, emphasizing the importance of control over one's professional destiny. He highlights his frustration with project cancellations at large firms, which fueled his decision to create a startup focused on high-performance RISC-V cores. The conversation delves into the challenges of building a company in Europe, particularly regarding venture capital access and recruiting talent in a less mature ecosystem compared to Silicon Valley. Roger also discusses the impact of rising AI model sizes on chip design and the necessity for efficient memory bandwidth to support these developments. Ultimately, he reflects on the rewarding experience of seeing customer interest and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing innovative technology solutions.

Roger Espasa's dialogue with Jothy Rosenberg unveils the intricate tapestry of his journey as the founder and CEO of Semi Dynamics, a Barcelona-based innovator within the RISC-V ecosystem. Espasa’s narrative is one of resilience against adversity, characterized by a series of disheartening project cancellations in his previous roles at large technology firms. This pivotal moment catalyzed his resolve to establish a company where he could steer the direction of his work without the looming specter of arbitrary corporate decisions. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of entrepreneurship in reclaiming agency over one's professional destiny.

As the conversation unfolds, Espasa delves into the technical nuances of RISC-V architecture, elucidating its significance in high-performance computing and machine learning realms. He articulates a vision where data throughput to processing units becomes the linchpin for unlocking the full potential of AI applications. This technical discourse is complemented by a broader commentary on the evolving landscape of semiconductor technology, where efficiency and performance must align to meet the burgeoning demands of modern computation.

The discussion further accentuates the distinct challenges faced by European startups, particularly in securing investment and acquiring talent in a region where the silicon innovation ecosystem is still maturing. Espasa’s insights into the venture capital environment in Europe illuminate the disparities that exist compared to more established markets, underscoring the need for a supportive infrastructure to foster innovation in the semiconductor domain.

Takeaways

The journey of establishing a startup is laden with challenges, particularly regarding funding and cash flow management.
Roger Espasa's motivation to create Semi Dynamics stemmed from a desire for autonomy and control over his work.
The evolution of technology, especially in the field of AI, necessitates constant adaptation and innovation from startups.
The RISC V architecture has revolutionized the industry, providing a cost-effective alternative to proprietary architectures like ARM.
Effective data handling and memory management are critical in developing processors that meet the demands of modern AI applications.
Building a successful startup requires resilience, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to one's vision.