Akeana
Akeana designs and licenses RISC-V processor and system IP — spanning 32-bit microcontrollers to 64-bit server-class out-of-order cores, interconnects, and AI accelerators — to SoC developers across embedded, edge AI, data center, and automotive markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersSanta Clara, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Akeana does
Akeana is a privately held, venture-funded semiconductor intellectual property (IP) company founded in 2021 in Santa Clara, California. It designs and licenses a comprehensive RISC-V processor IP portfolio built on a single design database that spans the full performance spectrum — from 32-bit deeply embedded microcontrollers (Akeana 100 Series) to 64-bit mid-range in-order/out-of-order cores with vector and SMT extensions (Akeana 1000 Series) up through 64-bit server-class out-of-order cores (Akeana 5000 Series) achieving a flagship SpecINT2006/GHz of 25 and full RVA23 profile compliance. The portfolio is paired with a Processor System IP suite (Compute Coherence Block, Akeana IOMMU, AMBA AXI/CHI interconnects, Advanced Interrupt Architecture), an AI Matrix hardware accelerator, and the Akeana AI Solutions platform, all instantiated in a 4nm Alpine server-class test chip taped out in December 2025.
The company licenses its IP to SoC developers — including embedded/IoT designers, edge AI SoC developers, data center and hyperscaler silicon developers, and automotive/mobile application processor developers — under quote-based agreements combining upfront license fees with per-unit royalties. Akeana pursues a direct enterprise sales motion augmented by a regional channel partner (Intralink) in China, an event-led presence at RISC-V Summits globally, and a toolchain/software stack co-developed with Cadence, Canonical, Axiomise, proteanTecs, Ashling, and Embecosm. The company has raised over $100 million in venture funding from Kleiner Perkins, Mayfield, and Fidelity Ventures, and its leadership is anchored by former Marvell/Cavium ThunderX architects, including CEO Rabin Sugumar and Chairman Syed Ali (former Cavium CEO).
Akeana firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Akeana
- Legal name
- Akeana, Inc.
- Website
- https://akeana.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Akeana designs and licenses RISC-V processor and system IP — spanning 32-bit microcontrollers to 64-bit server-class out-of-order cores, interconnects, and AI accelerators — to SoC developers across embedded, edge AI, data center, and automotive markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Akeana industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Semiconductor Processor IP
- NAICS
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (3344)
- SIC
- Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Compute & Acceleration ICs (CPU/GPU/AI/FPGA/ASIC) (HDAHABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hardware/Chip Design IP Cores (Processor, Interface, Analog, Security) (HDAHAFAF), Application Processors & Microprocessors (MPUs/CPUs) (HDAHAJAB), Real-Time & Industrial Control Processors (RT MCUs/PLC-class SoCs) (HDAHAJAL)
Keywords
Where Akeana is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Clara
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Akeana business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Semiconductor IP Licensing: Akeana licenses processor core IP (100, 1000, 5000 series), system IP (interconnects, IOMMU, interrupt controllers), and AI accelerator IP to customers for integration into their SoCs. Positioned as an equitable alternative to legacy vendors like Arm. One-time/perpetual license model implied.
- Customization and Professional Services: Akeana Forge allows customers to add custom instructions and tailor cores; Akeana offers professional services to port and optimize software for RISC-V on customer SoCs.
- Licensing Royalties (IP Royalty Stream): Semiconductor IP licensing in this market typically combines an upfront license fee with per-unit royalty on chips shipped by the licensee, consistent with industry-standard IP licensing practice.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Quote-based IP licensing for processor cores, system IP and AI accelerators |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Akeana product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Akeana licenses a broad portfolio of customizable RISC-V processor IP cores spanning 32-bit deeply embedded microcontrollers (100 Series), 64-bit mid-range in-order/out-of-order application and AI companion cores (1000 Series), and 64-bit high-performance out-of-order server-class cores (5000 Series). The portfolio is built from a single design database and includes processor System IP (coherent/non-coherent interconnect, IOMMU, interrupt controllers), an AI Matrix computation engine, and an SDK with QEMU/FPGA tools, enabling semiconductor companies to integrate fully-configured RISC-V compute subsystems into their SoCs.
Product overview
Akeana delivers a single RISC-V-based semiconductor IP platform spanning three processor families and supporting system IP. The entry-level Akeana 100 Series provides 32-bit deeply embedded cores, the mid-range Akeana 1000 Series delivers 64-bit in-order or out-of-order cores with vector and SMT extensions for AI and automotive, and the high-end Akeana 5000 Series provides 6- to 10-wide out-of-order 64-bit cores with full RVA23 support for datacenter, cloud, mobile, and AI workloads. All three share a single design database, Akeana Forge customization tooling, and an SDK with optimized OS/compilers/QEMU. They are paired with the Processor System IP suite (Compute Coherence Block, Akeana IOMMU, AMBA AXI non-coherent interconnect, AkeanaMesh AMBA CHI coherent interconnect, and Advanced Interrupt Architecture), and the Akeana AI Solutions platform that combines the Akeana Matrix Engine, AI vector engines, and AI data-movement engines on a unified coherent fabric. The platform was instantiated in the 4nm Alpine server-class test chip (taped out December 2025), which runs Canonical Ubuntu 26.04 LTS pre-installed and is available to partners as a software development board.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Akeana 100 Series: Line of 32-bit, RISC-V, deeply embedded processors for microcontrollers and edge gateways.
- Akeana 1000 Series
- Akeana 5000 Series
- Alpine
- Akeana Forge
Products and services
- Akeana 100 Series Line of highly configurable 32-bit RISC-V deeply embedded processors with short in-order pipelines, configurable ICCM/DCCM up to 512 KB, up to 64 KB caches, PMP, and packed-SIMD P extension. Licensed to semiconductor companies for smart speakers, smart home appliances, drones, hearables, wearables, and area/power-constrained microcontrollers.
- Akeana 1000 Series Line of highly configurable 64-bit RISC-V processors with 9-stage in-order or 12-stage out-of-order pipelines, up to 4-wide issue, MMU up to 512/2048-entry 4/8-way TLB, optional RISC-V Vector v1.0 up to 4096-bit VLEN/DLEN, and optional SMT up to 4 threads. Licensed to semiconductor companies for edge AI, industrial automation, automotive sensing, smart camera, edge gateway, and "Little" cores in Big/Little configurations with the 5000 Series.
- Akeana 5000 Series Line of extreme-performance 64-bit RISC-V processors with 12-stage out-of-order pipelines, 6- to 10-wide instruction dispatch (Akeana 5100/5200/5300), MMU up to 2048-entry 8-way TLB, optional SMT up to 4 threads, optional Vector v1.0 with up to 512-bit VLEN/DLEN, Hypervisor H extension, and TrustZone-style NS/WorldID security. Flagship Akeana 5300 implements full RVA23 profile and achieves a SpecINT2006/GHz score of 25. Licensed to semiconductor companies for datacenter, cloud infrastructure, networking, mobile computing, and AI training/inference.
- Processor System IP A collection of IP blocks that accelerate processor system development, including the Compute Coherence Block (CCB), Akeana IOMMU (RISC-V compliant), Non-Coherent Interconnect Fabric (AMBA AXI), AkeanaMesh Coherent Interconnect Fabric (AMBA CHI), and Advanced Interrupt Architecture IP (APLIC, ACLINT, IMSIC). Licensed to semiconductor companies for building complete SoCs around Akeana CPUs.
- Akeana AI Solutions Unified RISC-V-based heterogeneous AI compute platform that combines General Purpose Compute arrays (Akeana 5000-series 6- to 10-wide OOO CPUs with Vector and AI acceleration instructions), AI Accelerated Compute arrays (Akeana Matrix Engine and customer accelerators), and AI Data Movement engines built on Akeana 1000-series SMT cores — connected via AkeanaMesh coherent fabric and shared banked L2 memory. Licensed to semiconductor companies building AI-focused SoCs.
- Software and Tools (SDK) Akeana's SDK offering including intuitive tool flows to configure and integrate IP and software, an optimized OS/compiler/toolchain (LLVM-based) for performance, core-specific simulation environments including QEMU and FPGA boards, and professional services to port and optimize software for RISC-V on customer SoCs.
- Alpine Software Development Platform / Test Chip 4nm RVA23-compatible server-class SoC test chip and software development board containing an 8-core 5000-series OOO coherent cluster, 64-bit in-order SMT control/vector cores (512-bit vector), 32-bit in-order core, Akeana Mesh CHI coherent fabric, AXI non-coherent bus, and RISC-V IOMMU/AIA interrupt controllers. SDB availability targeted for 2H 2026 with reservations open.
Quantifiable outcome
- 25 SpecINT2006/GHz on flagship Akeana 5300 (highest published for RISC-V IP)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Akeana
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Akeana technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability6 records
Feature11 records
Akeana partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core technology partner, regional channel partner, core ecosystem partner, supporting tool partner and supporting ecosystem partner.
- Axiomisecore technology partnerPartnership for formal verification of Akeana's super-scalar cores. Axiomise uses its CoreProve® methodology (formalISA®, footprint®, floatrix®) to deliver mathematically proven verification sign-off for the Alpine 4nm test chip, identifying functional issues and potential redundant logic before silicon tape-out. Announced February 2026.
- proteanTecscore technology partnerJoint initiative to embed proteanTecs' Hardware IP Monitoring System and on-chip Agents into Akeana's 5000 Series processors. Provides telemetry-based, ML-driven visibility into system behavior from design through in-field operation, accelerating product ramp and improving reliability. Announced November 2025.
- Canonicalcore technology partnerCanonical and Akeana announced that Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) will come pre-installed on Akeana Alpine Software Development boards. Collaboration aims to drive adoption of the RISC-V RVA23 profile by delivering a seamless out-of-the-box developer experience on server-class silicon. Announced June 2026.
- Cadencecore technology partnerAkeana adopted Cadence's Xcelium Logic Simulator, Palladium Emulation Cloud, and Verisium Debug as part of an integrated simulation, emulation and debugging approach. Cadence Case Study (July 2025) and joint webinar (August 2025) cover Akeana's verification methodology.
- Ashlingcore technology partnerPartnership with Embecosm announced October 2024 to deliver an optimized, comprehensive software development toolchain (including Ashling RiscFree IDE/debugger) for Akeana's range of high-performance RISC-V processors.
- Embecosmcore technology partnerCo-announced an optimized software development toolchain for Akeana's RISC-V processors with Ashling in October 2024.
- Intralinkregional channel partnerBusiness development consultancy specializing in international markets. Kicked off Akeana's business development program in China in July 2025 to accelerate growth and customer engagement in the region.
- RISC-V Internationalcore ecosystem partnerAkeana is a member of the RISC-V Board of Directors and participates in the RISE project to accelerate the availability of software for RISC-V. Both proteanTecs and Akeana are members of RISC-V International, contributing to standards, enablement and interoperability.
- Synopsyssupporting tool partnerAkeana supports the Synopsys HAPS-100 prototyping system as one of its evaluation and emulation platforms, and demonstrated the Akeana 5100 core with Hypervisor running Linux on Synopsys HAPS-100.
- Mentor (Veloce proFPGA)supporting tool partnerAkeana supports the Veloce proFPGA platform as one of its evaluation and emulation platforms for hardware and software development.
- Xilinx (AMD Xilinx)supporting tool partnerAkeana supports the Xilinx VCU118 FPGA board as one of its evaluation platforms for high-speed emulation of small to large coherent multi-core solutions.
- RISE Projectsupporting ecosystem partnerAkeana participates in the RISE project to accelerate software availability for RISC-V; also references RISE collaboration in its AI solutions and unified software stack descriptions.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Akeana competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Tenstorrent: Tenstorrent builds RISC-V-based AI accelerators and licenses its Ascalon and other RISC-V IP; competes with Akeana on AI compute IP and RISC-V high-performance cores.
- Rivos: Rivos is an emerging RISC-V server-class chip startup pursuing data-center CPUs comparable to Akeana's hyperscaler/data-center use case with the 5000 Series and Alpine.
- Imagination Technologies: Imagination offers RISC-V CPU IP alongside its GPU IP, competing for the same SoC IP attach opportunities in embedded and edge markets where Akeana's 100/1000 series play.
Direct peers
- SiFive: SiFive is the leading RISC-V processor IP vendor offering core IP (E, S, U series) and SoC platforms. Direct competitor to Akeana across embedded, application and data-center RISC-V cores.
- Ventana Micro Systems: Ventana develops high-performance RISC-V application and data-center CPU IP (Veyron V1/V2), directly comparable to Akeana's 5000 Series and Alpine server-class roadmap.
- Andes Technology: Andes is a long-established RISC-V processor IP vendor offering 32/64-bit cores with vector extensions, comparable to Akeana's 100/1000/5000 series IP.
- MIPS (MIPS Tech): MIPS has pivoted to RISC-V IP cores for embedded, automotive and high-performance applications, overlapping Akeana's 100/1000/5000 product positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Arm: Arm is the incumbent processor IP vendor (Cortex, Neoverse) that Akeana explicitly positions against as an "equitable alternative"; overlapping customer base but vastly broader portfolio.
- Synopsys (ARC & IP): Synopsys provides processor IP (ARC) and design tools; competes in the broader processor IP market where Akeana sells RISC-V cores and system IP to SoC developers.
- Cadence (Tensilica): Cadence offers Tensilica DSP/AI IP and broader IP; competes for AI/embedded IP sockets where Akeana's 1000 Series and AI Solutions position.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Akeana social profiles
Digital presenceAkeana compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Akeana financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Akeana leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Akeana funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Akeana M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Akeana
What does Akeana do?
Akeana licenses a broad portfolio of customizable RISC-V processor IP cores spanning 32-bit deeply embedded microcontrollers (100 Series), 64-bit mid-range in-order/out-of-order application and AI companion cores (1000 Series), and 64-bit high-performance out-of-order server-class cores (5000 Series). The portfolio is built from a single design database and includes processor System IP (coherent/non-coherent interconnect, IOMMU, interrupt controllers), an AI Matrix computation engine, and an SDK with QEMU/FPGA tools, enabling semiconductor companies to integrate fully-configured RISC-V compute subsystems into their SoCs.
Is Akeana a public or private company?
Akeana is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Akeana founded?
Akeana was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Akeana based?
Akeana is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States, in the North America region.
How does Akeana make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Semiconductor IP Licensing is the primary driver. The others are customization and Professional Services and licensing Royalties (IP Royalty Stream).
Who are Akeana's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Tenstorrent, Rivos and Imagination Technologies. Direct peers are SiFive, Ventana Micro Systems, Andes Technology and MIPS (MIPS Tech). Broad incumbents are Arm, Synopsys (ARC & IP) and Cadence (Tensilica).
Does Akeana have an API?
No public API is recorded for Akeana.
What industry is Akeana in?
Akeana's product category is Semiconductor Processor IP. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHABAC, Compute & Acceleration ICs (CPU/GPU/AI/FPGA/ASIC), with a secondary code of HDAHAFAF, Hardware/Chip Design IP Cores (Processor, Interface, Analog, Security). Its NAICS code is 3344 and its SIC code is 3674.