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Artificial Intelligence

AiFi Raises $65 Million in Series B Funding to Strengthen Leadership Position in Autonomous Retail

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AiFi, the most flexible AI platform that enables retailers to affordably deploy and scale autonomous shopping solutions, announced a $65 million Series B funding round with participation from ALDI South Group, Żabka Group, REWE, Verizon Ventures, and Qualcomm Ventures LLC, among others. The strategic investments from our retail partners reflect a commitment to scale with AiFi after successful platform integrations and positive customer feedback. This round, which brings AiFi’s total funding to $80 million, will primarily be used to expand the company’s technical team to cater to the surging demand for AiFi’s solution.

“The pandemic heavily influenced consumer preferences, including the need for quicker, more seamless shopping experiences. It’s become clear that shoppers are ready for autonomous retail and AiFi is here to deliver,” says Steve Gu, AiFi CEO and co-founder. “We relentlessly improve our AI algorithms to ensure we have a strong foundation to support our platform, and the success we’ve seen with diverse store formats, speed of deployment, and a frictionless customer experience attests to the flexibility and maturity our product has achieved. We have deepened our partnerships with some of the world’s largest retailers that share a vision of innovation. With this latest round of funding, we’ll be able to scale our partnerships and launch customized stores in record time to bring us closer to our vision of using AI to simplify people’s busy lives.”

AiFi, which works with top retailers worldwide such as ALDI South Group, Carrefour, Compass Group, and Żabka Group, currently has the highest number of computer vision powered autonomous stores across the globe. The company’s technology is being used to deploy a diverse set of store formats including grocery stores, sport stadium canteens, convenience stores at universities, and more. AiFi’s camera-only solution does not require weighted shelves, which significantly reduces the deployment cost and time. AiFi leverages advanced tracking algorithms that can scale up to 10,000 square feet to support various shopper journeys such as an app, credit card, gated, or hybrid entry.

“In working with AiFi over the past year, we experienced their deep expertise in artificial intelligence and computer vision-based product recognition first hand, as well as their commitment to meeting ALDI’s needs. This successful collaboration led to the opening of the world’s largest checkout-free store, based on camera vision only,” said an ALDI South Group Spokesperson.

“AiFi shares our passion for industry-leading innovation. Their technology – combined with the power of Verizon 5G and MEC – hold great possibilities for the future of retail,” said Jeff Black, Managing Director at Verizon Ventures. “We look forward to supporting AiFi and their talented team.”

“As demand for autonomous retail grows and business intelligence continues to move from the cloud to the wireless edge, we are excited to support AiFi to help drive the connected intelligent edge,” said Carlos Kokron, Vice President, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Managing Director, Qualcomm Ventures Americas. “We value AiFi’s innovative approach to edge-computing and look forward to accelerating the deployment of AI-powered solutions that further improve operational efficiencies and elevate customer shopping experiences.”

This funding news follows on the heels of a banner year for AiFi and its partners, with several notable achievements in the last eight months alone. AiFi powered one of the world’s largest contact-free, frictionless markets in London with ALDI South Group. The company launched a first-of-its-kind, 10/10 Flash concept store with Carrefour in France, and the first autonomous Carrefour City+ in Dubai. AiFi also recently expanded to NFL stadiums and music festivals, producing stores that reduced the average transaction and queue time by 50% and increased per cap sales by 170%. AiFi partnered with the European leader Żabka Group to deploy 28 Żabka Nano autonomous stores over the span of ten months, creating what is now the largest chain of autonomous retail stores in Europe. Most recently, AiFi worked with Compass Group to open Market x Flutter, Ireland’s first completely frictionless store.

The retail partners and investors that participated in this round include Verizon Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, HP Tech Ventures, Mithril Capital, ALDI South Group, Żabka Group, and REWE.

Artificial Intelligence

Clarivate Declares Dividend on Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares

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LONDON, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT; CLVT PR A) (“Clarivate”), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.3125 per share on its 5.25% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Shares”), payable in cash on June 3, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2024.

On the mandatory conversion date, which is scheduled to occur on June 3, 2024, each Preferred Share will automatically and mandatorily convert into a number of ordinary shares of Clarivate (and cash in lieu of any fractional ordinary shares) based on the average volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Clarivate’s ordinary shares over a 30-trading day period that begins on, and includes, April 18, 2024 and is scheduled to end on, and include, May 30, 2024 (the “valuation period”). If such VWAP is (i) greater than $31.20, then the mandatory conversion rate will be 3.2052 ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share, (ii) less than or equal to $31.20 but equal to or greater than $26.00, then the mandatory conversion rate will be a number of ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share equal to $100.00 divided by such VWAP and (iii) less than $26.00, then the mandatory conversion rate will be 3.8462 ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share. The mandatory conversion rate will be announced following the end of the valuation period. The above description of the terms of the Preferred Shares is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the “Statement of Rights” for the Preferred Shares, which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Clarivate’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management’s current views concerning future business, events, trends, contingencies, financial performance, or financial condition, appear at various places in this communication and may use words like “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” and “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on management’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K, along with our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). However, those factors should not be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our business operations. Forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available to our management and speak only as of the date of this communication. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Please consult our public filings with the SEC or on our website at www.clarivate.com.
About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.
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CGTN: 3rd CMG Forum in Beijing discusses AI development

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BEIJING, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Focusing on the development of AI, the third CMG Forum was held on Monday in Beijing.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening of the event and delivered a speech.
Guests at the forum stressed the role of media in promoting the innovative application of AI as well as its governance.
Efforts should also be made to boost the development of AI in creating positive, healthy, diverse and high-quality content, so that AI can become a force for good and benefit mankind, they agreed.
They also called on media to accelerate intelligent transformation and help bridge international exchanges and cooperation on the governance of AI to facilitate its healthy, orderly and safe development.
Hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the forum attracted more than 200 participants from international organizations, media, think tanks and multinational companies.
“Innovation and breakthroughs in science and technology not only guide the development and progress of human civilization, but also bring uncertainty to the changing world,” said Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and president of CMG. He called for efforts to jointly create valuable and responsible artificial intelligence.
AI technology is affecting every aspect of our lives. Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated in a video speech that CMG has always been a partner of the IOC, bringing the charm of the Olympic Games to hundreds of millions of Chinese viewers. He said the IOC invites CMG to work together for the creation of a future with the application of AI in Olympic sports.
“From ancient inventions such as silk, printing and the compass to modern technological advances such as robotics, telecommunications and green technology, China has always been committed to innovation and creation,” said Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He said WIPO pays close attention to ensuring a balance between the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence and is committed to strengthening cooperation to ensure that artificial intelligence is properly used.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-04-30/3rd-CMG-Forum-in-Beijing-discusses-AI-development-1tdDcXvCexG/p.html

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Artificial Intelligence

Trianz Appoints Sridhar Kannan as Practice Leader – Digital, Elevating its Leadership in the Global Digital Transformation Space

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital transformation technology & services company Trianz is pleased to announce the appointment of Sridhar Kannan as Practice Leader – Digital. With over 25 years of extensive experience in technology and business leadership, Sridhar joins Trianz to lead the expansion of Trianz’s Digital Practice, forging strategic alliances and expanding the business footprint.

Sridhar’s appointment comes at a transformative phase for Trianz as it solidifies its commitment to redefining the digital landscape with an “IP Led” model. This strategic shift is powered by Trianz’s cutting-edge hyper-automated platforms, Concierto.Cloud, Extrica.AI, and Pulse, driving industry-leading transformations in cloud, data and analytics, AI, and the digital workplace. Sridhar’s visionary leadership in technology-led business transformations across diverse sectors will be instrumental in leveraging IP-led models and innovative methodologies to position Trianz at the forefront of digital transformation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sridhar Kannan to the Trianz family,” said Seshi Vanguru, Chief Revenue Officer at Trianz. “His appointment marks a significant stride in Trianz’s journey toward innovation and excellence. Sridhar’s wealth of experience and exceptional leadership skills will elevate our Digital Practice to new heights, reaffirming our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.”
Sridhar is recognized as a client-focused technology and business transformation executive with a remarkable track record of helping Banking and Financial Services organizations in business transformation and product innovation using applications, cloud, data, and digital solutions. His extensive prior experience at industry giants such as Wipro, Cognizant, and Infosys include successfully leading Fortune 10 global client relationships and implementing transformative solutions across Banking, Financial Services, and Healthcare industries. Sridhar is highly regarded for his ability to lead global cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and achieve aggressive business goals while consistently delivering high levels of client satisfaction.
“I am deeply honored to join Trianz and contribute to its mission of shaping the future through digital transformation,” said Sridhar. “Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible and drive meaningful impact for our clients in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Based out of Minnesota, US, Sridhar has steered numerous clients towards success through the strategic application of Digital, Cloud, Product Engineering, Data, AI, and Application services, making him a seasoned strategist in today’s dynamic digital landscape. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Trianz’s journey to nurturing talent and delivering world-class solutions.
About Trianz
Trianz is a leading-edge technology platforms and services company that accelerates digital transformations at Fortune 100 and emerging companies worldwide in data & analytics, digital experiences, cloud infrastructure, and security. Our “IP Led Transformations” approach, informed by insights from a recent global study spanning 20+ industries and 5000+ companies, addresses challenges posed by the rapid pace of AI-driven transformation, digital talent scarcity, and economic uncertainty. Our IP and platforms, including Concierto, Extrica, and Pulse, revolutionize cloud adoption, data analytics, and AI insights, empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of digital transformation seamlessly.
Founded in California and with an organization of over 2,000 associates across the United States and India, Trianz is a Premier Partner of AWS, consistently rated #1 by clients for value delivery over the past five years. Trianz has been ranked as one of the best Consulting Firms by Forbes and has been certified as a Great Place to Work for three years in a row. To learn more about Trianz, email [email protected] or visit www.trianz.com.
Watch Trianz CEO Sri Manchala’s insightful interview with Bloomberg on Partner | Crossing The Digital Faultline & Leading Towards Transformative Success – YouTube and delve deeper into his book Crossing the Digital Faultline at Crossing the Digital Faultline | Trianz.
Trianz Media Team : [email protected]+1-408-387-5800
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