IBM Acquires Seek AI to Bolster Watsonx AI Labs
Deal News | Jun 02, 2025 | Battery Ventures
IBM has acquired Seek AI, a New York City-based AI platform, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2021 by Sarah Nagy, Seek AI specializes in facilitating natural language queries for enterprise data. The acquisition represents IBM's continued investment in artificial intelligence, particularly enterprise AI solutions. Seek AI's technology will become a key component of IBM's Watsonx AI Labs, an AI accelerator and collaborative hub based in Manhattan. The acquisition supports IBM's strategy for software growth and AI development, as highlighted by its strong Q1 earnings performance. Seek AI, which raised $10 million prior to its acquisition from investors such as Battery Ventures, will relocate its headquarters to IBM's new Manhattan offices. Watsonx AI Labs will focus on developing AI solutions, collaborating with local colleges, and providing startups with access to IBM's resources and potential investments.
Sectors
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United States – The article focuses on IBM's activities in NYC, and Seek AI is based in the US, impacting the American technology sector.
- New York City – IBM's Watsonx AI Labs and Seek AI's relocation to Manhattan indicate the strategic importance of NYC in this transaction.
Industry
- Information Technology – Relevant because the article discusses IBM's acquisition of an AI platform, a key area in technology.
- Artificial Intelligence – IBM is investing in AI technologies, focusing on enterprise AI and natural language processing.
- Venture Capital – Seek AI's previous funding from Battery Ventures and other investors highlights the role of venture capital in startup growth.
Financials
- $10 million – Amount raised by Seek AI from investors prior to acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | Acquirer | Company | A multinational technology company acquiring Seek AI to boost its AI capabilities. |
| Seek AI | Target | Company | A NYC-based AI platform focusing on natural language interface for enterprise data. |
| Sarah Nagy | CEO and Founder of Seek AI | Person | Led Seek AI, which was acquired by IBM. |
| Battery Ventures | Investor | Company | A venture capital firm that invested in Seek AI before its acquisition. |
| IBM Ventures | Potential Investor | Company | IBM's corporate venture capital wing, which might invest in startups launched through Watsonx AI Labs. |