US DOJ Investigates Nvidia's $17 Billion AI Chip Deal with Groq Over Antitrust Review Avoidance

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Nvidia attempted to avoid antitrust review in connection with its $17 billion deal with AI chip startup Groq, according to The New York Times, which cited two people familiar with the matter.

In December 2025, Nvidia announced the deal, securing a non-exclusive license to Groq's chip technology and bringing in several executives, including Groq founder Jonathan Ross. U.S. regulators have said such "disguised acquisitions" could stifle competition in the AI chip market and further entrench Nvidia's dominance.

Reuters reported that if the investigation finds problems with Nvidia's handling of the deal, the DOJ could impose fines but would likely not seek to undo the transaction. Neither the DOJ, Nvidia nor Groq had commented on the report as of press time.