Latest news with #FuturesFund
Int'l Business Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Google Launches 'AI Futures Fund' To Invest In Promising AI Startups
Google launched the AI Futures Fund to invest in and support startups working on artificial intelligence to help startups at different stages grow faster by giving them early access to advanced tools and expert support. Selected Startups to Receive Funding, AI Tools, and Expert Support from Google Through this fund, selected startups will receive direct investment from Google, early access to its AI models, and guidance from Google's team of researchers, engineers, and business experts. They will also get credits to use services on Google Cloud. "Startups get hands-on support from researchers, engineers, product managers, designers and go-to-market specialists from Google DeepMind and Google Labs," according to a blog post on Google. The announcement of the fund comes as Google tries to get more exposure to the latest AI companies and trends as well as stay on top of competition as Amazon and Microsoft are backing generative AI startups with hefty investments and developing their own technologies, CNBC reported. In addition, AI startups are looking for alternate funding as the initial public offering market remains mostly dry amid economic woes. Gain Early Access to AI Models, Cloud Support, and Investment Opportunities Google also noted that the program will provide "Cloud credits and dedicated technical support" from its "cloud experts to help build, train and scale AI-powered products." Startups chosen for the program will get early access to some of Google DeepMind's most advanced AI models, such as Gemini for general AI tasks, Imagen for creating images, and Veo for generating videos. They may also receive direct investment from Google to help them grow and expand their AI projects. Early Collaborations Highlight Real-World Impact of AI Futures Fund In recent months, the AI Futures Fund has been working with a select group of startups from different industries, including Toonsutra, a digital comic and webtoon app from India, which is using Gemini's AI translation tools to make comics available in multiple Indian languages. Viggle, a platform for creating AI-powered memes, is using Gemini, Imagen, and Veo to explore new ways of making videos. Rooms, a platform where users create and share interactive 3D spaces, is working with Google to build more advanced content using Gemini. These early partnerships show how access to AI tools and expert support can help startups move faster and build innovative products. The AI Futures Fund is open to startups based in any location where Google's Gemini AI is available. Google is looking for innovative companies that are ready to shape the future of AI. Interested startups are encouraged to apply here.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Atom Bank wants to inspire staff back to the office
The boss of Atom Bank said he wants to inspire his staff back to the office as he announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Newcastle. Chief executive Mark Mullen has confirmed plans to move its head office from The Rivergreen Centre in Durham to The Pattern Shop in Newcastle. The Pattern Shop was where industrial pioneer Robert Stephenson built steam locomotives in the 1800s for export around the world. Atom Bank employs more than 550 people and is to retain its links to Durham through the Atom Futures Fund, AMI Women in Technology Scholarships and its Memorandum of Understanding with Durham University. Mullen sad: ''Our investment in the iconic Pattern Shop is a bold statement about how we see the future of work. 'While many companies are backtracking on past commitments, and forcing their people back to the office, we're doing the opposite – we're creating a social space that brings people together because it's inspiring, not because it's mandated. 'We're building a culture of trust at Atom, with the flexibility to work how and where people are most happy and productive. 'The Pattern Shop played a key role in shaping the modern world. With its unique character and rich history, it is the perfect place to reimagine what a company HQ can be. 'This isn't just an office – it's a symbol of who we are as a brand. Its deep roots in the North East industrial heritage mirrors our ambition to build on tradition with bold, modern thinking. 'The move comes at an exciting time for the bank as we continue to grow. We're now the UK's most trusted bank on Trustpilot, delivering market leading products, whilst at the same time achieving industry-leading employee engagement. 'Other businesses may use the blunt instrument of 'back to the office' diktats but at Atom, as always, we look to do the right thing. Our move to the Pattern Shop and Newcastle reflects that.' Knight Frank secured the letting on behalf of Newcastle City Council and its development partner, igloo Regeneration, with JLL representing Atom in the negotiation of the term of the lease documents. The head office moves comes after Atom Bank became the latest UK digital lender in 2024 to swing to its first annual pre-tax profit, with the group benefiting from higher interest rates and a jump in mortgage lending. The lender, which launched in 2016 as the UK's first app-based bank, posted a pre-tax profit of £7m in 2023, swinging from a £10.1m loss in 2022. Atom's operating profit surged 600 per cent year on year to £27m, while its costs up ticked up just four per cent, which it said demonstrated 'the success of its efficient, sustainable and scalable business model'. Atom Bank first moved to a four-day working week for all employees with no loss in salary in November 2021. Sign in to access your portfolio
