1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and scaling breakthrough technologies. The program aims to foster deep-tech innovation in Europe, targeting high-potential companies that can make a significant impact across various industries.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering costs related to product development, prototyping, and market validation. This non-repayable funding is critical for early-stage companies looking to advance their innovations without the immediate pressure of repayment.
In addition, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding, which can go up to €15 million until 2024 and will be reduced to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity investment is structured to support companies in scaling their operations and attracting additional private sector funding. The EIC aims to leverage its investments to catalyze further investment from venture capital and other institutional investors, thereby enhancing the overall financial ecosystem for deep-tech startups in Europe.
Purpose in the European Deep-Tech Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem by offering essential support to companies that are often overlooked by traditional funding mechanisms. By providing both grant and equity financing, the EIC Accelerator helps innovative companies mitigate financial risks, accelerate their go-to-market strategies, and enhance their competitiveness on a global scale. The program aims to create a robust pipeline of high-impact technologies that can drive economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in Europe.
Role in Scaling and Attracting Private Funding
Through its blended finance model, the EIC Accelerator enables companies to achieve milestones that make them more attractive to private investors. By providing initial funding for research and development, the program allows companies to validate their technologies and business models. Successful completion of funded projects often leads to increased confidence among private investors, which can translate into significant additional funding. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for scaling operations and ensuring long-term sustainability.
EIC Accelerator Winner: NeuReality LTD
NeuReality LTD, an innovative company based in Israel, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its project, NR1. The proposal was submitted on March 22, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company in its pursuit of advancing AI technology.
Project Overview: NR1
The NR1 project focuses on developing an AI-centric Server on Chip (SoC) designed to enhance the complexity and scale of AI inference applications. The goal of the project is to enable the effective deployment of real-life AI applications across various industries, bridging the gap between theoretical AI advancements and practical implementations.
Technology Basics and Background
The NR1 technology is based on a specialized architecture that integrates AI processing capabilities directly onto a single chip. This approach significantly reduces latency and power consumption compared to traditional server architectures, making it ideal for applications that require real-time processing and high throughput. By leveraging advanced semiconductor technologies and optimized algorithms, NeuReality aims to create a scalable platform that can adapt to the growing demands of AI applications.
NeuReality's SoC integrates various components, including neural processing units (NPUs), memory, and input/output interfaces, into a unified system. This integration allows for enhanced performance and efficiency, making it possible to handle complex AI tasks such as deep learning inference, natural language processing, and image recognition in a more compact and cost-effective manner.
The NR1 project aligns with the increasing demand for AI solutions in sectors such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare, finance, and smart cities. By providing a powerful yet efficient platform for AI applications, NeuReality is positioned to lead the way in transforming how industries harness the power of artificial intelligence.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial enabler for companies like NeuReality LTD, providing the necessary financial resources and strategic support to scale innovative technologies. Through its focus on deep-tech innovation, the EIC Accelerator is shaping the future of the European startup ecosystem, fostering breakthroughs that can drive significant societal and economic impact.
2 The Funding Rounds
NeuReality LTD: Financing and Funding Overview Since March 2023 EIC Accelerator Win
Background:
NeuReality LTD, based in Israel, is an AI hardware startup developing advanced solutions for AI inference. The company was awarded EIC Accelerator funding following its successful submission on March 22, 2023.
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
Recent Rounds (Post-March 2023)
Details:
- Amount: $20 million
- Timing: Announced March 19–20, 2024
- Purpose: Accelerate deployment of the NR1 AI Inference Solution to more customers and regions; support growth in generative AI markets.
- Total Funding Post-Round: This round brought NeuReality’s total financing to $70 million.
Previous Significant Round
- December 2022 – Series A:
- Amount Raised: $35 million
- Lead Investors: Samsung Ventures, Cardumen Capital, Varana Capital, OurCrowd, XT Hi-Tech
- Additional Investors: SK Hynix, Cleveland Avenue (also part of the later round), Korean Investment Partners, StoneBridge Ventures, Glory Ventures.
- Total Post-Series A Funding Reported: $48 million
Grant Support from EIC Accelerator
Prior to equity investment by the EIC Fund: - NeuReality received a €2.5 million grant (~$2.7M) from the EU’s EIC Accelerator program as non-dilutive support for commercializing its NR1 server-on-chip technology. Receipt of this grant marked early recognition by European innovation authorities.
Investor Information
Key Investors Across Recent Rounds Include:
- European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund
- Varana Capital
- Cleveland Avenue
- XT Hi-Tech / XT Hitech
- OurCrowd
- Cardumen Capital (noted especially since Series A)
- Samsung Ventures (Series A lead investor)
Additional participating investors over time:
SK Hynix; Korean Investment Partners; StoneBridge; Glory Ventures; Alumni Venture Group.
Company Valuation
No public information about specific company valuations at each funding event is available in disclosed sources.
Exit Events
As of May 2025: There are no publicly reported exit events—such as an IPO or acquisition—for NeuReality LTD since receiving EIC Accelerator funding.
Timeline Summary Table
| Date | Event/Funding Round | Amount | Key Investors/Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | Series A | $35M | Samsung Ventures, Cardumen, Varana, OurCrowd, XT Hi-Tech |
| Early-mid 2023† | EIC Grant | €2.5M (~$2.7M) | European Innovation Council |
| Mar 19–20/Apr '24 | Equity/Expansion round | $20M | EIC Fund, Varana, Cleveland Ave, XT Hi-Tech, OurCrowd |
| † Exact date post-EIC cut-off not specified but confirmed after Mar '23 call. |
(lead participants) (repeat/new participants)
Sources: EIC Accelerator-March 22 2023 Cut Off EU Invests in Israeli AI Inference Startup NeuReality Europe Leaps Ahead in Global AI Arms Race... EIC Media Review – April 02 ‘24 NeuReality Raises $35 Million in Series A AI inferencing startup NeuReality raises $20m... NeuReality raises $20 million to make AI data centers faster...
3 The Press Releases
NeuReality's EIC Accelerator Journey and Post-Funding Developments NeuReality LTD, an Israel-based AI infrastructure innovator, secured EIC Accelerator funding in 2023 to advance its semiconductor and AI inference solutions. While the exact grant amount isn't specified in available records, the company later attracted a $20M investment from the EIC Fund in March 2024 as part of a larger $70M total funding round[^s1][^s2]. This capital injection aims to accelerate deployment of its NR1™ AI Inference Solution, which redefines data center architecture by decoupling AI workloads from traditional CPU dependencies[^s3].Key Technological Advancements
The company’s flagship product—the NR1 NAPU™ (Network Addressable Processing Unit)—is a 7nm server-on-a-chip manufactured by TSMC. It enables direct Ethernet connectivity for AI query management, achieving full utilization of AI accelerators while reducing energy consumption[^s3]. NeuReality demonstrated compatibility with AMD, IBM, Lenovo, Qualcomm, and Supermicro hardware during its SC23 conference launch[^s3], signaling strategic industry partnerships.
Market Focus and Recent Milestones
NeuReality targets cloud providers and enterprises in sectors like financial services and government agencies. Their technology supports applications ranging from natural language processing to generative AI models. The EIC’s participation underscores Europe’s strategic push into semiconductor sovereignty and carbon-neutral AI infrastructure[^s7].
Sources
4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of NeuReality LTD
NeuReality LTD, based in Israel, is a pioneering company in the AI industry, particularly known for its innovative AI-centric server-on-chip solutions. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023, NeuReality has made significant advancements in its technology and market presence.
Current Capabilities
NeuReality's flagship product is the NR1 AI inference server-on-chip, which includes a Network Addressable Processing Unit (NAPU). This technology is designed to maximize the utilization of AI accelerators such as GPUs, TPUs, and LPUs by bypassing traditional CPU and NIC architecture. This approach enhances performance and reduces power consumption, enabling businesses to run AI applications more efficiently.
Advancements Since EIC Funding
Following the EIC funding, NeuReality has continued to enhance its NR1 solution, focusing on expanding its market reach and integrating its technology with various AI accelerators. The company has secured additional funding, including a $20 million investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and other investors in March 2024, bringing its total funding to $70 million. This investment supports the deployment of its NR1 AI Inference Solution to broader markets and regions.
New Features and Demonstrations
NeuReality has introduced several new features and products, including the NR1M and NR1S systems, which are full-height PCIe cards designed to drive 100% AI accelerator utilization. These systems have been demonstrated with partners like AMD, IBM, Lenovo, Qualcomm, and Supermicro at the SC23 conference. Additionally, NeuReality has expanded its software stack, enabling seamless integration and scalability for AI deployments across various industries.
Technology Demonstrations and Pilots
The company has successfully deployed its systems with select cloud service providers and enterprise customers in sectors such as financial services and business services. NeuReality's focus on customer success has led to the development of early customer pilots, which are transitioning into full-scale AI inference deployments.
Patents and Scientific Studies
NeuReality has been active in filing patents related to AI processing and batching AI jobs. Recently, they were granted a patent for batching AI jobs, which further enhances their AI processing efficiency. While there is no specific mention of new scientific studies or whitepapers published since the funding, their innovative approach to AI infrastructure optimization continues to draw attention in the industry.
Future Plans
In 2025, NeuReality plans to further accelerate its growth by investing in top talent and expanding its global presence with its AI Inference Appliance, targeting new and existing investors for Series B funding. This strategic expansion aims to leverage the company's innovative technology to drive broader AI adoption across industries.
Sources: - NeuReality's 2025: Simplifying AI for Enterprise with Easy-to-Use Inference Appliance
- EU Invests in Israeli AI Inference Startup NeuReality
- Neureality Builds DPU for AI
- NeuReality: Faster AI Chip Tape-Out with Cloud Emulation
- NeuReality | We Make AI Easy
- Europe Leaps Ahead in Global AI Arms Race, Joining $20 Million Investment in NeuReality
- Patents Assigned to NeuReality LTD.
- Israeli chip co NeuReality raises $20m, including from EU's EIC
5 The Partnerships and Customers
NeuReality's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator FundingSince securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2023, NeuReality has aggressively expanded its partnerships and customer engagements to solidify its position as a leader in AI inference infrastructure. The company’s collaborations focus on enhancing energy efficiency, scalability, and deployment flexibility for large-scale AI workloads.
Key Partners
- Qualcomm: NeuReality ships its AI Inference Appliance with Qualcomm’s Cloud AI 100 Ultra accelerators, optimizing performance for generative AI and multi-modal applications.
- AMD: The partnership addresses AI scalability challenges by integrating NeuReality’s server-on-chip architecture with AMD’s technologies to improve computational workflows.
- Samsung Ventures: A strategic investor, Samsung supports NeuReality’s mission to streamline inference deployment through improved storage and processing flows.
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Beyond funding, the EIC provides business development support and customer connections in Europe, aligning with EU sustainability goals for energy-efficient AI infrastructure.
Customer Engagements
NeuReality has deployed systems with select cloud service providers (CSPs) but has not publicly disclosed all customer names. Xilinx is listed as a customer leveraging their prototype evaluation framework, while DeepSeek models were successfully ported to NeuReality’s NR1 platform post-EIC funding.Nature of Relationships
Partnerships emphasize co-development, such as Qualcomm integration for appliance compatibility, and strategic investment, including Samsung Ventures backing core IP development. European collaborations under the EIC focus on sustainability compliance while scaling generative AI deployments in sectors like healthcare and telecom.Market Positioning & Scalability Impact
These relationships position NeuReality as an enabler of cost-effective inference solutions:- Technology Advancement: NR1’s near-100% accelerator utilization outperforms traditional CPU-NIC architectures by up to 90% efficiency gains, critical for LLM adoption.
- Geographic Expansion: EIC backing accelerates EU market penetration alongside existing cloud provider deployments in North America and Asia.
- Ecosystem Growth: Partnerships across semiconductor leaders (AMD), hyperscalers (unnamed CSPs), and model developers (DeepSeek) create a full-stack solution from silicon to software.
Sources
- NeuReality's 2025: Simplifying AI for Enterprise
- Partners - NeuReality
- EU Invests in Israeli AI Inference Startup NeuReality
- NeuReility raises $20 million
Additional References
Although not directly cited above but relevant contextually: | URL | Description | |-----|-------------| |DeepSeek's Success Proves Efficiency is Key| Porting DeepSeek models validates NR1 adaptability | |Kisaco Research Partnership Overview| General partner ecosystem mention |6 The Hiring and Company Growth
NeuReality LTD: Growth and Development Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Introduction
NeuReality LTD, an Israeli AI startup, received significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2023, marking a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. Since then, the company has made substantial strides in team expansion, product development, and market penetration.Current Headcount and Team Size
As of recent reports, NeuReality's team size ranges between 100 to 200 employees. This growth reflects the company's efforts to bolster its capabilities in AI inference solutions.Hiring and Team Growth
NeuReality has been aggressively expanding its team by hiring top-tier talent across various domains, including engineering, technical leadership, strategic partnerships, sales, and operations. This strategic hiring is aimed at accelerating product adoption and enhancing customer success.Key Positions and Recent Hires
While specific details on recent key positions are not publicly available, the emphasis on engineering, technical leadership, and strategic partnerships suggests that these roles are crucial for the company's growth. These new team members are pivotal in driving innovation and scaling NeuReality's AI solutions.Impact on Future Growth
The addition of new team members is expected to significantly enhance NeuReality's ability to scale and grow. By maximizing the utilization of AI accelerators like GPUs, TPUs, and LPUs, NeuReality's solutions can achieve unprecedented efficiency gains, leading to better price-performance ratios and reduced silicon waste. This positions the company for increased market share and deeper penetration into the AI industry.Changes in Management or Founding Team
There are no reported major changes in NeuReality's management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company continues to be led by its founding vision, with key leaders driving its strategic direction.Growth Since Funding
Since securing funding in March 2023, NeuReality has raised additional capital, including $20 million in a Series B round in March 2024. This funding has been instrumental in accelerating the deployment of its NR1 AI inference solution across more regions and market segments. The company is now focused on customer success and demonstrating its technology's value through early customer pilots.Conclusion
NeuReality's growth since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding has been marked by significant team expansion, strategic hiring, and substantial investment in its AI infrastructure. As the company continues to innovate and scale, it is poised to become a leading player in the AI inference market.Sources: - NeuReality's 2025: Simplifying AI for Enterprise with Easy-to-Use Inference Appliance
- NeuReality Ltd. Asset Profile
- NeuReality Overview
- EU Invests in Israeli AI Inference Startup NeuReality
- Faster AI Chip Tape-Out with Cloud Emulation
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of NeuReality LTD
NeuReality LTD, based in Israel, is an AI technology innovation company that specializes in creating purpose-built AI inference systems. Founded in 2019 by a team of experienced system engineers, the company aims to democratize AI by making it more accessible, adaptable, and affordable for businesses of all sizes.
Media Features and Publications
NeuReality has been featured in several publications, including an Inc article by Peter Cohan, highlighting the company's innovative approach to solving AI-related problems by offering a quantum leap in value. Additionally, the company's advancements in AI inference technology have been covered in various industry reports and news outlets.
Content from Publications
Publications have emphasized NeuReality's ability to run large-scale AI models without the need for significant investments in GPUs, a major cost-saving factor for businesses looking to adopt AI technologies. The company's NR1 AI inference solution is praised for enabling the efficient deployment of generative AI and large language models across diverse industries.
Podcasts and Interviews
Jim Wilson, VP of Sales at NeuReality, has been featured in the Tech Salescraft podcast, where he shared insights on leadership and sales strategies in the AI sector.
Conferences and Fair Visits
NeuReality actively participates in major industry events, including:
- Supercomputing 2023: The company showcased its AI inference technologies and demonstrated partnerships with leading tech firms like AMD and IBM.
- AI Infra Summit 2025: Scheduled participation in San Jose.
- GITEX Global 2025: Participation planned in Dubai.
- Generative AI Summit in New York City: NeuReality's CEO, Moshe Tanach, delivered a keynote speech.
Involvement in Events
NeuReality is involved in various events aimed at promoting AI adoption and showcasing its cutting-edge AI inference solutions. These events help the company connect with industry leaders and potential clients, furthering its mission to democratize AI access across different sectors.
Sources
- Press - NeuReality
- Accelerating Mass Business AI Adoption: NeuReality Launches Developer Portal for NR1 Inference Platform
- EU Invests in Israeli AI Inference Startup NeuReality
- Supercomputing 2023 - NeuReality
- NeuReality Introduces Advanced AI Inference Technologies at SC23
- Events - NeuReality
- Mastering AI Sales Leadership
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