US-headquartered artificial intelligence technology startup Vianai Systems has raised $140m in a series B round led by internet and telecommunications group SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2.
The corporate was joined in the round by Jim Davidson, co-founder of private equity firm Silver Lake; Jerry Yang, founding partner of venture capital firm AME Cloud Ventures; and Henry Kravis and George Roberts, co-founders of investment firm KKR.
Vianai has created what it refers to a human-centred AI platform and is working with corporate partners to develop AI and machine learning products.
The company’s projects include a smart production planning system for businesses and a machine learning-equipped DevOps system for software development. It emerged from stealth in September 2019 with $50m in seed funding from undisclosed investors.
Vishal Sikka, Vianai’s founder and chief executive, said: “We have been working hard to build a better AI platform, one that puts human judgment at the centre of systems that bring vast AI capabilities to amplify human potential.
“I am grateful for the trust and the confidence that our customers and our investors have put in us as we help enterprises achieve great, purposeful transformations with human-centred AI.”
Deep Nishar, senior managing partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, which runs Vision Fund 2, added: “With the AI revolution underway, we believe Vianai’s human-centred AI platform and products provide global enterprises with operational and customer intelligence to make better business decisions.
“We are pleased to partner with Dr Sikka and the Vianai team to support their ambition to fulfil AI’s promise to drive fundamental digital transformations.”
