Cerebras IPO makes billions for Benchmark but VC Eric Vishria almost didn’t take the meeting

Cerebras Systems went public with strong results, creating billions in value for founders and investors.

Benchmark partner Eric Vishria, who co-led the Series A and joined the board in 2016, said he nearly passed on the first pitch.

He was ultimately convinced by the team’s vision for a giant AI chip and the company’s long-term potential.

Cerebras then spent years solving major engineering and manufacturing hurdles before reaching the IPO.

The story underscores how an early, risky hardware bet on AI infrastructure can become a major public-market win.