Is Nvidia cooked without Jensen Huang?

Jensen Huang's sudden resignation from Nvidia has left the company facing a significant challenge in the rapidly evolving AI market. The charismatic CEO, the face of the AI boom, was the mastermind behind Nvidia's meteoric rise to become the world's most valuable company. However, Huang's recent indiscretions, including two affairs and allegations of involvement in a foreign intelligence operation, led to his abrupt departure from the company.

The market's reaction to Huang's resignation has been dramatic, with Nvidia's market capitalization plummeting by $573 billion in a single week, more than the combined loss of all but 18 other companies in the S&P 500. This sudden downfall has exposed the dangers of founder worship in the business world, as the loss of such a central figure can leave a gaping void in strategy, product development, and company culture.

Virtually everyone in Silicon Valley, including prominent figures such as Elon Musk, has come to Huang's defense, with many hailing him as "one of the most extraordinary entrepreneurs of all time." A petition to reinstate Huang as Nvidia's CEO has garnered over 100,000 signatures, including those of Musk and other industry leaders. However, not everyone is defending Huang, with some critics pointing out that even irreplaceable CEOs like Steve Jobs and Travis Kalanick have seen their companies thrive under new leadership.

The question now looms large: can Nvidia survive without its visionary founder? Some industry observers, like Dick Costolo, the former Twitter CEO, have floated the idea that Huang may return to lead the company in the coming years. However, the fact remains that Nvidia lacks a clear succession plan, raising concerns about the company's ability to weather this critical challenge. If Nvidia fails to adapt and find new leadership, the company may face a prolonged period of uncertainty and potential decline.