US software giant Salesforce is spending £3.2bn to bolster artificial intelligence technology in the UK
Committed to investing in AI: Salesforce President Marc Benioff
Salesforce will put £3.2bn into UK technology as it doubles down on artificial intelligence (AI).
The US software company said the investment will be spread over the next five years, adding to its £2bn commitment in 2018. The company, which specializes in customer relationship management for its clients, said growing demand formed the basis of this company.
“Salesforce is experiencing rapid growth in the UK as companies invest in their digital transformations and leverage the incredible innovation cycle surrounding AI,” the company said.
AI is software used by computers to mimic human behavior, including learning, planning, and creativity.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the latest investment was a “resounding endorsement of our economy.”
During a visit to the US this month, Sunak presented plans to host a global summit on AI security this year as he aims to make the UK a leader in the emerging technology.
The announcement came as the ChatGPT developer named London as its first office outside the US.
San Francisco-based OpenAI chose it because of its “vibrant technology ecosystem” and “exceptional talent.”
“We see this as an opportunity to attract world-class talent and drive innovation,” said CEO Sam Altman.
“We are excited about what the future holds and to see what contributions our London office will make to building and deploying secure AI.”
Both will be seen as a vote of confidence in a UK tech scene that was reeling after Microsoft’s president criticized the regulators’ decision to block Activision Blizzard’s acquisition.