Latest news with #SeekAI
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Yahoo Japan to all its 11,000 employees: Using AI is mandatory to…
Yahoo Japan has announced that all 11,000 employees must integrate generative AI into their daily work tasks, aiming to double productivity by 2028 through comprehensive automation of routine workplace functions. The company, which also operates the popular LINE messaging app, will require staff to use AI tools for research, meeting documentation, expense management, and competitive analysis. The initiative targets tasks that consume approximately 30% of employees' time, including searching, drafting, and routine documentation. Yahoo Japan has already developed internal tools like SeekAI to manage expense claims and data searches using prompt templates. AI will also create agendas, summarize meetings, and proofread reports, enabling employees to focus on higher-level decision-making and strategic discussions rather than administrative tasks. Other tech giants also jump on the mandatory AI bandwagon by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? NeuroVita Global Learn More Undo Yahoo Japan isn't alone in forcing employees to embrace artificial intelligence. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke established AI use as a "baseline expectation" in an internal memo, requiring teams to demonstrate why AI cannot accomplish tasks before requesting additional resources. Amazon has taken an even more aggressive approach, with CEO Andy Jassy telling employees the company will need "fewer people doing some of the jobs" as AI automation expands. The e-commerce giant currently operates over 1,000 generative AI services and has cut more than 27,000 jobs since 2022, linking workforce reductions to AI-driven efficiency gains. Amazon's Ring division now requires employees to demonstrate AI usage for promotion eligibility, according to TechRadar. The company reported its AI coding assistant saved programmers 4,500 years of work through automated software upgrades. Will forced AI use actually boost workplace productivity While companies tout productivity benefits, research suggests mixed outcomes from mandatory AI adoption. Some studies indicate AI may decrease rather than increase overall workplace productivity, raising questions about aggressive implementation timelines. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has dismissed job displacement fears, describing AI as "an accelerator" that eliminates tedious tasks while creating opportunities for higher-value work. However, employee reactions remain skeptical, with Amazon workers expressing concerns about job security on internal communication channels. Yahoo Japan's comprehensive mandate represents a significant test case for whether mandatory AI integration can deliver promised productivity gains. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Yahoo Japan implements AI to double productivity by 2028
Yahoo Japan is placing a significant bet on generative AI to revolutionise its workplace, mandating that all 11,000 employees integrate AI tools into their daily tasks with the goal of doubling productivity by 2028. The company, which also operates the messaging platform LINE, plans to use AI to handle routine tasks such as research, meeting documentation, expense management, and even competitive analysis. The initiative is designed to allow employees to focus more on high-level thinking and communication by automating the groundwork, as reported by PC Watch. Yahoo Japan's approach targets the 30% of daily tasks that the company estimates consume a large portion of employees' time, including searching, drafting documents, and handling meeting notes. The company has already developed internal tools such as SeekAI to manage tasks like expense claims and data searches, with the AI tools also set to assist in creating agendas, summarising meetings, and proofreading reports. The goal is clear: to transform AI from just a cost-saving measure into a tool that fuels innovation and drives productivity. Yahoo Japan Requires All 11,000 Employees to Use Generative AI to Double Productivity by 2028 Yahoo Japan wants all of its employees to start using generative AI and hopes to increase its productivity by 2028. — DX Today (@RickSpairDX) July 21, 2025 Yahoo Japan believes that by automating the more repetitive aspects of work, employees can redirect their focus towards decision-making and problem-solving, areas where human input remains essential. Some experts caution against viewing AI as a complete substitute for human workers. A recent report by Orgvue highlighted that many UK businesses that replaced staff with AI now regret the decision, citing that while AI can streamline processes, it struggles in areas requiring empathy, nuance, or real-world context. Despite these concerns, Yahoo Japan's model, which focuses on AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement, appears more sustainable in the long run. This approach could help reshape workplaces without the disruption associated with job losses, emphasising that AI should complement human skills, not replace them. If executed thoughtfully, the company's plan could set a precedent for how AI can enhance productivity while maintaining the value of human input.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IBM Acquires AI Startup Seek And Launches $500M-Backed Watsonx AI Labs In NYC To Tackle Data Innovation With Agentic Intelligence
IBM (NYSE:IBM) announced Monday that it acquired Seek AI, a New York City-based artificial intelligence startup specializing in natural language data querying, as part of a larger push into agentic AI development. The acquisition coincides with the launch of Watsonx AI Labs. According to IBM, Seek AI's software will become a foundational part of the lab's technological framework. Founded in 2021 by former data scientist Sarah Nagy, Seek AI builds tools that allow users to interact with complex datasets using natural language prompts, automatically converting them into structured query language queries and generating insights, TechCrunch reports. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. IBM said in the statement that Seek AI's natural language platform will be integrated into its AI development ecosystem, enabling startups and partners to build applications with conversational data capabilities. The newly launched Watsonx AI Labs is located in Manhattan's Flatiron District at One Madison, where IBM says it plans to build and test next-generation AI systems with engineers, researchers, and startups. According to IBM, the lab will co-create enterprise-ready AI applications spanning cybersecurity, customer service, and open-source frameworks. The facility will also focus on domain-specific AI solutions and prioritize responsible governance, a rising concern among enterprise adopters. New York City's growing role in AI development factored heavily into IBM's decision to base the lab there. According to Tech: NYC, the city hosts over 2,000 AI startups and experienced a 25% increase in AI workforce growth from 2022 to 2023. Since 2019, AI startups in NYC have collectively raised $27 billion in funding. IBM mentioned in the statement that it also plans to collaborate with local universities and research institutions to nurture future talent and expand its innovation footprint. Trending: Wall Street's Missing This AI Surgical Tech — You Don't Have To. Seek AI had previously secured nearly $10 million in backing from investors such as Battery Ventures, Conviction Partners, and NJP Ventures, according to TechCrunch. Once the acquisition is finalized, IBM says the startup will relocate its operations to One Madison, aligning itself physically and strategically with IBM's flagship Manhattan-based Watsonx AI Labs. 'By anchoring this mission in New York City, we are investing in a diverse, world‑class talent pool and a vibrant community whose innovations have long shaped the tech landscape,' Ritika Gunnar, IBM's general manager of data and AI, said in the said that it will provide select startups inside the lab with mentorship, access to technical talent, and financial support through its $500 million Enterprise AI Venture Fund. These startups will be able to test, refine, and deploy AI applications built with tools like Seek AI's natural language platform. Companies successfully building enterprise-ready solutions may be eligible for long-term partnership and global amplification via IBM Ventures. Julie Samuels, president and CEO of Tech: NYC, said in IBM's statement that the move underscores New York's strength as an innovation hub and a magnet for enterprise AI development. She added that the initiative could be transformative for local communities and the broader tech economy. With Seek AI's technology now in-house and the Watsonx AI Labs underway, IBM appears committed to shaping the future of enterprise AI from the epicenter of one of the world's most dynamic cities. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? IBM (IBM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article IBM Acquires AI Startup Seek And Launches $500M-Backed Watsonx AI Labs In NYC To Tackle Data Innovation With Agentic Intelligence originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Business Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
IBM Announces New Innovation Center and Acquires Seek AI
Tech company IBM (IBM) recently announced a new AI innovation center in Manhattan called watsonx AI Labs, which is designed to help developers build and scale real-world AI solutions for businesses. This lab connects IBM's technical knowledge and resources with startups, established companies, and AI builders in order to create advanced AI tools. Located at IBM's One Madison office, the lab will focus on collaborative work by bringing together researchers, engineers, and partners to solve complex problems using AI. Confident Investing Starts Here: Interestingly, New York City was chosen because it's already a major hub for AI innovation, with over 2,000 AI startups and a growing AI workforce. IBM also announced the acquisition of Seek AI, which is a local startup that develops AI agents in order to help businesses use their data more effectively. IBM will use Seek AI's technology and expertise as part of the watsonx AI Labs. In addition, over the next five years, IBM plans to give successful local AI startups access to expert advice and mentorship, as well as potential funding from IBM's global $500 million Enterprise AI Venture Fund. The lab will work on developing practical AI tools for areas like customer service, cybersecurity, and supply chain management, while promoting responsible AI use. What Is the Target Price for IBM? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on eight Buys, five Holds, and two Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $260.62 per share implies that shares are trading near fair value.
TechCrunch
02-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
IBM acquires data analysis startup Seek AI, opens AI accelerator in NYC
IBM on Monday said that it has acquired Seek AI, an AI platform that allows users to ask questions about enterprise data using natural language, for an undisclosed sum. Seek CEO and founder Sarah Nagy said that the startup's technology will be a key part of Watsonx AI Labs, IBM's new NYC-based AI accelerator, which IBM also announced today. '[W]e'll scale our platform, deploy mission-critical solutions for IBM clients, empower the next generation of AI developers, and grow our team significantly,' wrote Nagy in a LinkedIn post. IBM's acquisition of Seek comes as the former looks to grow its investments in AI, particularly AI for the enterprise. It's a strategy that's worked well for IBM so far. The tech giant's Q1 earnings beat estimates, driven by software growth and strong AI demand. NYC-based Seek, which Nagy founded in 2021, offers an array of tools designed to help businesses better leverage their data. The company's software allows users to interact with data using a chatbot-like interface, automatically translating natural language questions into database queries and performing high-level data analysis and summarization. Prior to its exit, Seek AI managed to raise around $10 million from investors including Battery Ventures, Conviction Partners, and NJP Ventures. The startup will move its headquarters to One Madison, the location of Watsonx AI Labs and IBM's new Manhattan offices, once the deal closes. '[W]atsonx AI Labs is where the best AI developers gain access to world-class engineers and resources and build new businesses and applications,' IBM GM of Data and AI Ritika Gunnar said in a statement. 'By anchoring this mission in New York City, we are investing in a diverse, world‑class talent pool and a vibrant community whose innovations have long shaped the tech landscape.' Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW In a press release, IBM said that Watsonx AI Labs will bring together IBM researchers and engineers in a 'collaborative hub' to build AI solutions for companies. Watsonx AI Labs will also seek collaborations with local colleges and research institutions. Startups that successfully launch products at the accelerator will have access to IBM resources as well as potential investment from the company's corporate VC wing, IBM Ventures, and its $500 million enterprise AI fund.
