Nvidia NVDA

Nvidia, birthed in 1993 by Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem, is the Silicon Valley darling that turned gamers into gods and AI researchers into rock stars. Known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) that revolutionized video gaming, Nvidia's defining moment came with the launch of the GeForce 256 in 1999, the first-ever GPU, which redefined real-time 3D graphics. Fast forward to today, and Nvidia’s valuation is stratospheric, hovering around $1 trillion, thanks to its relentless innovation in AI, gaming and data centers. Not just a tech titan, Nvidia bagged the coveted “Best Company to Work For” award, proving it’s a Silicon Valley sweetheart. However, the road hasn’t been without its potholes; controversies like the 2020 “GeForce Now” licensing debacle left some developers frothing at the mouth. CEO Jensen Huang, often seen donning his signature leather jacket, has become a legend in his own right, steering Nvidia through waves of technological advancements. Whether it's powering the latest AI research or making sure your Fortnite sessions are as smooth as butter, Nvidia isn’t just in the game—they're defining the rules and setting the pace for everyone else to follow.