Nvidia board launches inquiry into Jensen Huang

The inquiry was launched following an October report by The New York Times. The newspaper reported on Huang's close relationship with the former head of the Singapore-based company Megaspeed; according to the publication, US authorities link the businesswoman herself to Chinese intelligence. Despite sharing the same last name, they are not related. Megaspeed buys artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia. US authorities previously suspected the company of helping to smuggle advanced technology into China, bypassing US export restrictions, which Megaspeed itself denies.

The investigation is being conducted by a committee of independent directors, with external lawyers involved. Nvidia said it currently sees no reason to believe that confidential company information or US national security has been compromised. The board of directors expressed confidence in Huang, and he will continue to lead the company. In an address dated November 8, Huang apologized to his family, colleagues, partners, and shareholders, pledging to cooperate with the inquiry. In late October, he told Bloomberg that his contacts with the former head of Megaspeed were routine business dealings regarding that company's operations.

US House committee chairs Brian Mast, John Moolenaar, and Rick Crawford offered Huang a closed briefing on November 18. He was asked to confirm his participation or propose another date by November 11. According to the lawmakers, the published reports "raise serious national security concerns." US President Donald Trump said on November 8 that he had not discussed these allegations with Huang.