In the late 1990s, Nvidia was searching for a manufacturing partner for its graphics chips. At that time, foundry capacity was scarce, and many manufacturers required technology licensing in exchange for production slots.
Jensen Huang, then a startup founder, attempted to contact TSMC by calling their US office multiple times. He only reached an automated voicemail system and left several messages regarding Nvidia's products without receiving a response.
Huang eventually sent a letter to TSMC founder Morris Chang. Following this, Chang personally called Huang, which led to an invitation for Huang to visit Taiwan to tour TSMC and its competitor, UMC.
Huang chose to partner with TSMC after meeting with Chang, who emphasized corporate integrity, governance, and long-term partnerships. Chang promised to prioritize Nvidia's needs, a commitment that has lasted for 30 years.
