Nexthop AI builds custom networking equipment — switches, software, and optical connections — designed specifically for the massive AI data centers operated by the world's largest cloud companies. They have a unique co-development model, focused on delivering hardware and software purpose-built cloud providers running open source operating systems.  Unlike traditional networking vendors that sell one-size-fits-all products, Nexthop co-engineers custom solutions alongside each hyperscaler's own team, integrating seamlessly into their specific technology stack. CEO Anshul Sadana previously spent 17 years at Arista Networks, serving as its Chief Customer Officer, then Chief Operating Officer.

AI training clusters require thousands of processors to exchange data at blinding speeds, making the network fabric between them a critical performance bottleneck — and Nexthop's purpose-built AI networking equipment directly addresses this growing need.

Nexthop AI raised an oversubscribed $500M Series B in March 2026 led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with Andreessen Horowitz joining, catapulting the company's valuation to $4.2 billion — just one year after emerging from stealth with $110M in funding. The company simultaneously unveiled three new Ethernet switch platforms engineered for hyperscale AI clusters and neoclouds.