IBM announces new NYC accelerator and data startup acquisition

IBM revealed on Monday that it has acquired Seek AI, an artificial intelligence platform that allows users to ask questions about enterprise data using natural language. The firm also announced that the startup’s technology would be a key part of watsonx AI Labs, IBM’s new NYC-based AI accelerator.

Seek CEO and founder Sarah Nagy said the company will scale its platform and deploy mission-critical solutions for IBM clients. She also added that Seek aims to empower the next generation of AI developers and grow its team significantly.

IBM aims to acquire license technology from Seek AI

I’m excited to share that Seek AI has been acquired by IBM, where we are leveraging our AI data agents to build the foundation of a brand-new initiative called watsonx AI Labs.

Back in 2021, I launched Seek when I realized that AI had the potential to automate much of the…

— Sarah Nagy (@sarahrnagy) June 2, 2025

IBM announced it would acquire expertise and license technology from Seek AI, a New York City-based startup building AI agents to harness enterprise data. The firm said Seek AI will help businesses leverage agentic AI to mine value from enterprise data, and their expertise will serve as a foundational part of watsonx AI Labs.

Nagy founded Seek in 2021, offering tools to help businesses leverage their data. The firm said its software allows users to interact with data using a chatbot-like interface, automatically translating natural language questions into database queries and performing high-level data analysis and summarization.

IBM also unveiled watsonx AI Labs on June 2, which will be located in the heart of Manhattan at its new offices at One Madison. The firm said watsonx AI Labs extends its global network of engineering labs, bringing together IBM researchers and engineers to co-create and advance agentic AI solutions. 

Gunnar noted that anchoring the mission in New York City helps the firm invest in a diverse talent pool and a community whose innovations have long shaped the tech industry. The tech company believes the lab will benefit from and help fuel NYC’s status as a global AI hub. Nagy also said that the company was excited to tackle the challenges in New York City, where Seek AI was founded, and the AI talent and innovation ecosystem is thriving.

IBM bets on New York’s talent and entrepreneurial spirit

🇺🇸 IBM SWOOPS IN, BUYS SEEK AI TO BUILD ITS ROBOT BRAIN TRUST IN NYC

IBM just snatched up Seek AI, a small but mighty startup whose software acts like a data detective that speaks plain English.

No need for a data wizard when you can just ask your question and get an answer… https://t.co/h7deYjZvYM pic.twitter.com/2efMium9Ex

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 2, 2025

Data from Tech: NYC showed that New York City has more than 2,000 AI startups, and its AI workforce grew by nearly 25% from 2022 to 2023. The data also revealed that since 2019, more than 1,000 AI-related companies in NYC have raised $27 billion in funding.

Tech: NYC President and CEO Julie Samuels argued that IBM’s launch of watsonx AI Labs signals a transformative investment in New York’s innovation ecosystem. She believes the initiative strengthens New York’s position as a global hub for AI development by bringing together great engineering talent, emerging startups, and deep enterprise expertise.

Samuels acknowledged it was a win for the tech sector, communities, workforce, and economy. She also expressed her excitement to see IBM betting big on New York’s talent and entrepreneurial spirit.

IBM noted that it seeks to tap into NYC’s rich technology landscape by attracting local talent, pursuing collaborations with local universities and research institutions, and supporting local entrepreneurs. The tech company also said that over the next five years, local startups that successfully launch AI enterprise solutions at the lab will have access to technical experts, mentorship, and amplification. The startups will also get potential investment from IBM Ventures and its global $500M Enterprise AI Venture Fund.

IBM acknowledged that watsonx AI Labs would focus on co-creating domain-specific AI solutions to solve enterprises’ most complex challenges – from customer service and supply-chain optimization to cybersecurity, responsible AI governance, and open-source AI.

KEY Difference Wire: the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage