Peak Acquired by UiPath for Strategic AI Boost
Deal News | Mar 14, 2025 | Business Cloud
UiPath, a NYSE-listed robotic process automation company, announced the acquisition of Manchester-based AI startup Peak for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition aligns with UiPath's strategic mission to bolster its vertical AI solutions by integrating Peak's AI applications, which are designed to enhance industry-specific use cases. Founded in 2015 by Richard Potter, David Leitch, and Atul Sharma, Peak has developed a software platform to enable data-driven decision-making with AI, securing customers like Nike and PepsiCo and raising significant funding rounds including a $75m Series C led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The acquisition comes as a strategic transaction amidst a challenging tech market landscape, with Peak previously enjoying a high valuation during the tech boom of 2021 before market conditions changed. Despite some investor concerns regarding UiPath's recent financial performance and stock price decline, the deal offers mutual benefits: Peak gains access to UiPath's substantial customer base, and UiPath strengthens its AI capabilities. Advised by GP Bullhound, this acquisition is seen as a positive step forward for both companies.
Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotic Process Automation
- Investment and Advisory Services
Geography
- United Kingdom – Peak is a Manchester-based company, and the acquisition received significant attention in the UK.
- United States – UiPath is NYSE-listed and headquartered in the US, where its financial performance and stock market implications are of interest.
- Romania – UiPath was founded in Romania by Daniel Dines, who plays a pivotal role in the company's global strategy.
Industry
- Artificial Intelligence – The acquisition involves Peak, an AI startup that focuses on decision intelligence through AI applications.
- Robotic Process Automation – UiPath, the acquiring company, is renowned for its RPA solutions, using AI to replicate human intelligence in business processes.
- Investment and Advisory Services – GP Bullhound advised Peak on the transaction, highlighting the role of financial advisory in M&A activities.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The amount UiPath paid to acquire Peak has not been disclosed.
- $75 million – Series C funding amount led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 for Peak in 2021.
- 9 million – Peak's revenue in 2023.
- 1.3 billion – The amount UiPath raised during its IPO in 2021.
- 5.5 billion – UiPath's market cap at the time of writing.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| UiPath | Acquiring Company | Company | A NYSE-listed RPA company focused on automation solutions using AI. |
| Peak | Target Company | Company | A Manchester-based AI startup known for its decision intelligence platform. |
| SoftBank Vision Fund 2 | Investor | Company | Led Peak's $75m Series C funding round. |
| GP Bullhound | Advisor | Company | A technology advisory and investment firm that advised Peak on the transaction. |
| Richard Potter | Co-founder of Peak, included in BusinessCloud's Northern Leaders list | Person | One of the founders of Peak, involved in strategic leadership of the company. |