July 2, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Germany-based RISC-V processor specialist Codasip has been put up for sale, as the company’s board seeks to complete a transaction within three months, aiming to address mounting competition and funding pressures in the open-architecture CPU sector.

Under CEO Ron Black’s leadership, Codasip is exploring options including a full sale or business unit spin-offs. The company has received €329 million in total funding commitments, including €119 million in confirmed equity and grants, with an additional €210 million under negotiation. Codasip also expects around €51 million in future project-based funding from European R&D initiatives.

Codasip employs about 250 staff, with 57% focused on hardware and 30% on software development. It is known for its EDA platform Studio, which enables the development and customization of RISC-V processors. The company offers both embedded and application-grade processor cores, including ISO 26262 and ISO/SAE 21434-certified automotive-grade solutions. Codasip also provides processors and software built on the CHERI memory safety architecture.

In recent years, the RISC-V ecosystem has grown increasingly competitive. Synopsys launched a full suite of RISC-V core IPs in 2024, and the Quintauris consortium—formed by major semiconductor players—is developing its own processor solutions. U.S.-based SiFive underwent restructuring in 2023.

Codasip’s product portfolio is organized into four business lines, each capable of operating independently. The company’s ongoing work in high-performance processors, including contributions to the EU-backed DARE initiative, positions it as a central figure in Europe’s RISC-V strategy. Early acquisition interest has already prompted the board to initiate a faster-than-planned sale process.