Hi, I'm Nils Graef - Founder, CEO at OpenMachine
I am deeply driven by the challenge of redefining how machines think through custom silicon. I thrive in high-stakes environments where hardware performance is the constraint on artificial intelligence success.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Designed AI chips and ML accelerators at Google, Apple, and Groq over the last decade.
Currently leading OpenMachine to innovate the future of AI-centric hardware and silicon architecture.
Provides deep technical expertise on semiconductor design, ASIC scaling, and hardware product strategy.
🚀 Career trajectory
The Scaling Engineer
Spent formative years in high-growth engineering environments at Teranetics and Google, mastering the fundamentals of IC design.
✦ IC Design
✦ Semiconductor Roots
Architectural Visionary
Moved into specialized architecture roles at Apple and Groq, shifting focus toward custom silicon and ML accelerators.
✦ ASIC Architecture
✦ ML Hardware
Founder & CEO
Currently scaling OpenMachine, transforming deep expertise into a standalone enterprise dedicated to future compute architectures.
✦ AI Hardware
✦ Startup Leadership
💪🏻 Superpowers
Architectural Pioneer
Leading the evolution of ML silicon
✦ Transformed TPU design efficiency at Google for large-scale training.
✦ Executed high-level ASIC strategies for industry-leading hardware platforms.
✦ Synthesized hardware constraints into performance-first machine learning solutions.
Hardware Innovation Strategist
Bridging the gap between R&D and product
✦ Deploys low-power design patterns for high-throughput computing environments.
✦ Streamlines RTL workflows to accelerate silicon production timelines.
✦ Translates deep-tech feasibility into competitive hardware roadmaps.
Venture Builder
Driving early-stage AI hardware ventures
✦ Leads multi-disciplinary teams in uncharted hardware-software development spaces.
✦ Navigates the complexities of building AI-native startup infrastructures.
✦ Champions high-risk, high-reward engineering pivots in semiconductor markets.
I'm excited about
✦ Exploring strategic partnerships to accelerate the next generation of AI silicon.
✦ Connecting with fellow founders navigating the intersection of hardware and generative AI.
✦ Identifying high-impact opportunities to influence future standards in compute infrastructure.
I can help with
✦ Providing technical due diligence on AI hardware and semiconductor market trends.
✦ Mentoring engineering leaders on building high-performance hardware-software development teams.
✦ Advising on ASIC strategy and architectural bottlenecks for emerging AI startups.
I would love your help on
✦ Seeking guidance on operational scaling for deep-tech hardware startups in the Bay Area.
✦ Looking for insights into emerging manufacturing partners for next-gen silicon initiatives.
✦ Interested in networking with investor communities focused on long-horizon hardware innovation.