Finance

IBM Makes Bold Move: Acquires Seek AI and Launches NYC AI Accelerator

2025-06-02

Author: Ting

IBM Takes a Giant Leap in AI Investment

In a game-changing move, IBM announced the acquisition of Seek AI, an innovative startup that empowers users to query enterprise data in natural language. This strategic purchase aligns with IBM's ongoing commitment to bolster its AI capabilities, specifically within the enterprise sector.

Revolutionizing Data Interaction

Seek AI, founded by Sarah Nagy in 2021, has developed cutting-edge tools that simplify how businesses interact with their data. Their software harnesses a user-friendly, chatbot-like interface, transforming everyday language into complex database queries while also excelling in high-level data analysis.

New Horizons: Watsonx AI Labs in NYC

As part of this acquisition, Seek AI's technology will play a pivotal role in IBM's new venture—Watsonx AI Labs, a state-of-the-art AI accelerator located in New York City. Nagy expressed enthusiasm about scaling their platform, enhancing solutions for IBM clients, and expanding their team significantly.

"Watsonx AI Labs is where top AI developers collaborate with world-class engineers, fostering innovation and creating groundbreaking applications,” said Ritika Gunnar, IBM's General Manager of Data and AI.

A Hub for AI Innovation and Collaboration

IBM envisions Watsonx AI Labs as a hub for collaboration, bringing together its researchers and engineers to innovate AI solutions tailored for businesses. The initiative aims to forge partnerships with local colleges and research institutions to further enhance the ecosystem.

Startups, Prepare for Success!

The accelerator is set to provide successful startups with invaluable access to IBM's extensive resources, alongside potential investments from IBM Ventures and its substantial $500 million enterprise AI fund, paving the way for future AI pioneers.

The Bigger Picture: A Flourishing AI Strategy

This acquisition and the launch of Watsonx AI Labs mark a significant chapter in IBM's AI investment strategy. The tech titan has already seen positive shifts in its Q1 earnings, largely sparked by increased software growth and a surge in AI demand. As IBM continues to evolve, the acquisition of Seek AI promises to reshape the future of enterprise data utilization.