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The Future of Platforms
Feb 11, 2020
Read MorePlatforms power the world’s most valuable companies, but it will get harder and harder to capture and monetize their disruptive potential.
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AI startup Cresta launches from stealth with millions from Greylock and a16z
Feb 4, 2020
Read MoreAI is poised to change how we work and investors are deciding which use cases make the most sense to put their money into right now.
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AI Chip Market is Booming
Jan 28, 2020
Read MoreAI processors are reinvigorating the global semiconductor industry, prompting at least one market tracker to predict a three-fold increase in AI chip applications over the next five years.
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AI startups raised $18.5 billion in 2019, setting new funding record
Jan 24, 2020
Read MoreWhile overall U.S. venture capital funding dipped in 2019, the artificial intelligence sector bucked this trend by reaching a new annual high for money raised by startups.
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Health AI startups netted a record $4B in funding last year
Jan 24, 2020
Read MoreHealthcare AI startups received $4 billion in funding last year across 367 deals, according to intelligence platform CB Insights. That’s an almost 50% jump in cash from 2018, which saw almost $2.7 billion across 264 deals.
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The AI effect: How artificial intelligence is making health care more human
Jan 21, 2020
Read More(New Report) Health-care institutions have been anticipating the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) will have on the performance and efficiency of their operations and their workforces—and the quality of patient care. But many have already been reaping the benefits of AI tools.
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From Washington State to Washington, D.C., lawmakers rush to regulate facial recognition
Jan 19, 2020
Read MoreWith the start of an impeachment trial; talk of mounting hostility with Iran; new trade deals with China, Canada, and Mexico; and the final presidential debate before the launch of the Democratic presidential primary season, you might’ve missed it, but this was also a momentous week for facial recognition regulation.
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Smart VC money is beginning to seep out beyond Silicon Valley
Jan 15, 2020
Read MoreLast year, the Bay Area’s proportion of overall U.S. venture capital investment fell to the lowest point since 2013, according to year-end data from Pitchbook and the National Venture Capital Association.
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Apple buys edge-based AI startup Xnor.ai for a reported $200M
Jan 15, 2020
Read MoreXnor.ai, spun off in 2017 from the nonprofit Allen Institute for AI (AI2), has been acquired by Apple for about $200 million. A source close to the company corroborated a report this morning from GeekWire to that effect.
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Why “Explainability” Is A Big Deal In AI
Jan 8, 2020
Read MoreThere is a little-noticed talent that’s critical for success in a tech-centric world; it’s up there with being a great programmer, a master strategist, or even an innovative entrepreneur.
Insights
The content and distribution of Azafran’s INSIGHTS newsletter is focused to our LP, incubator, research, investment and partner ecosystem. As we look to build a two-way dialogue benefitting our collective efforts, each month we highlight important news and our approach to the emerging intersection of deep technology, end to end solutions and platforms driven by voice, acoustics/sensory and imagery.
The content and distribution of Azafran’s INSIGHTS newsletter is focused to our LP, incubator, research, investment and partner ecosystem. Below are highlights from the last two issues, please sign up to receive access to past and new issues as they are published.
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Issue 20 - As the COVID-19 pandemic increases the need for touchless environments, from frontline workers to everyday commerce, robotics takes center stage.
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COVID-19 and the Golden Age of Robotics
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Issue 20 - Azafran Portfolio Case Study: Emoshape
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Emoshape emotion synthesis chip (EPU) technology represents a massive leap for AI
