WHAT NVIDIA IS KNOWN FOR
This month we spotlight an exemplary Shining Light Company NVIDIA (Ticker Symbol: NVDA), a technology company that has pioneered the art and science of visual computing. They are transforming static displays into immersive, interactive experiences for everyone from gamers to scientists, and consumers to enterprise customers. More than just a graphics chip company, NVIDIA is at the forefront of developing technologies to solve some of the world’s most complex social and scientific problems in the areas of: advancing medical innovation and cancer research, transforming the automobile industry, exploring the cosmos, improving our infrastructure, supercomputing simulations and pushing the boundaries of science through artificial intelligence.
NVIDIA’S HISTORY
NVIDIA was founded in Santa Clara, CA in 1993 on the hypothesis that the next generation of computing would be centered around graphics. By examining and observing video game technology, NVIDIA was able to conclude that these were the most computationally challenging problems; however, mastering this sector of the industry had the potential to bring about massive sales volume. In the early 2000’s NVIDIA emerged as the leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and later in “systems on a chip” (SoCs).
The company was originally nameless, while the founders named all of their files NV which stood for “next version.” When the founders realized they needed to decipher a name in order to incorporate the company, they settled on “invidia,” the Latin word for envy. In 2007, NVIDIA was named by Forbes Magazine as its Company of the Year, crediting the accomplishments it made during the previous five years. A major win for the company occurred in 2018, when Google announced that Nvidia’s Tesla P4 graphic cards would be used and integrated into the Google Cloud service’s artificial intelligence, marking NVIDIA’s ascent into the AI industry.
COMPANY RECOGNITION
NVIDIA has been recognized for their tremendous support and care for their employees. The company ranks #1 on the Dave Thomas Foundation’s Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces. NVIDIA was recognized by this organization as a result of their offering to all full and part-time employees unlimited financial assistance to cover the cost of an adoption. They also provide up to 20 weeks of paid family leave for parents welcoming an adopted child into their family.
NVIDIA AND GIVING BACK
The company was also named one of the “Best Workplaces for Giving Back” by Great Place to Work in 2018. One employee noted that “instead of spending money on a Christmas holiday party, we volunteer and help out the local community in our yearly event called Project Inspire. We team up to tackle things like improving local high school classrooms or enhancing playgrounds.” It is clear that through empowering and equipping employees as evidenced by the consistently glowing employee reviews at Glassdoor, NVIDIA also provides opportunities for their workforce to give back and serve the community in tangible and effective ways. NVIDIA was also named to Fortune 100’s Best Workplaces for Millennials. NVIDIA has gained a reputation for helping younger generations find purpose and meaning through service in our technology-filled world.
For using groundbreaking visual technology to make the world a truly better place for valuing their people over profits, we are proud to name NVIDIA a Shining Light Company!
DISCLOSURE: Shining Lights companies are those companies we have identified as exemplary companies living out the Golden Rule and exhibiting the virtues of Integrity, Humility, Diligence, Caring and Courage. This is intended for general information purposes concerning only the values, corporate culture and business practices of the companies being spotlighted. It DOES NOT incorporate any analysis of the companies’ investment merit based on intrinsic value, fundamental analysis, etc. This must not be construed as investment advice or a buy/sell recommendation. These companies may or may not be included in our LightPoint Portfolios at any given time.