US-based artificial intelligence technology developer Bonsai has added $7.6m to a series A round featuring several corporate investors and has now raised $13.6m altogether.
Microsoft Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of software provider Microsoft, co-led the second tranche with VC firm New Enterprise Associates.
Industrial equipment maker Siemens also took part in the round along with ABB Technology Ventures and Samsung Next, respective subsidiaries of power and automation technology producer and electronics manufacturer Samsung.
Founded in 2014, Bonsai has developed a platform that automates the management of complex artificial intelligence libraries, allowing enterprises to increase the efficiency of connected industrial systems.
Microsoft Ventures corporate vice-president Nagraj Kashyap said: “Microsoft aims to democratise AI, and Bonsai is executing on this vision by abstracting away the complexity of machine learning tools, enabling developers and enterprises to more efficiently program intelligence.
“Bonsai’s vision and focus make it a great addition to our AI fund. We believe Bonsai has the technology and team to drive positive societal and business impact, helping people and machines work better together.”