Datumo, Based in Seoul, Secures $15.5M Funding to Compete with Scale AI, Supported by Salesforce

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    <h2>Datumo Secures $15.5 Million to Enhance AI Safety and Evaluation</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">A recent McKinsey report reveals that many organizations feel unprepared to safely and responsibly implement generative AI. Key among the concerns is explainability—the need to comprehend AI decision-making processes. While 40% of respondents consider this a high risk, only 17% are addressing it effectively.</p>

    <h3>From Data Labeling to AI Safety Solutions</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Seoul-based <a target="_blank" href="https://open.datumo.com/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Datumo</a>, originally focused on AI data labeling, is now on a mission to support businesses in creating safer AI systems. Their tools facilitate testing, monitoring, and model improvement without requiring advanced technical skills. The startup recently raised $15.5 million, bringing its total funding to approximately $28 million, backed by investors like Salesforce Ventures, KB Investment, ACVC Partners, and SBI Investment.</p>

    <h3>Innovative Ideas from Frustration</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Frustrated by the tedious process of data labeling, CEO David Kim, a former AI researcher at Korea's Agency for Defense Development, invented a reward-based app that allows users to label data in their spare time while earning money. This concept was validated at a startup competition hosted by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), leading to the founding of Datumo in 2018 alongside five KAIST alumni.</p>

    <h3>Rapid Growth and Client Demand</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even before the app was fully developed, Datumo garnered tens of thousands of dollars in pre-contract sales during the customer discovery phase. In its first year, the startup exceeded $1 million in revenue and secured several prominent contracts. Today, its client roster includes major Korean corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, and SK Telecom, with over 300 total clients and an estimated revenue of $6 million in 2024.</p>

    <h3>Expanding Services Beyond Labeling</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Clients began requesting more than just data labeling, wanting us to evaluate their AI model outputs,” said Michael Hwang, co-founder of Datumo, in a TechCrunch interview. This shift revealed that the company was already engaged in AI model evaluation, prompting it to release Korea's first benchmark dataset focused on AI trust and safety.</p>

    <h3>Adapting to the Evolving AI Landscape</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We started with data annotation and expanded into pretraining datasets and evaluations as the LLM ecosystem matured,” Kim explained.</p>

    <h3>Competitive Landscape in AI Data and Evaluation</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meta's recent $14.3 billion investment in data-labeling company Scale AI underscores the growing importance of this sector. Following this, OpenAI ceased using Scale AI, indicating fierce competition for AI training data. Datumo shares similarities with companies like Scale AI while distinguishing itself through licensed datasets, particularly those sourced from published books.</p>

    <h3>Innovative Evaluation Tools for Non-Developers</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Datumo sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive evaluation platform called <a target="_blank" href="https://datumo.com/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Datumo Eval</a>. This no-code tool enables non-developers in policy, safety, and compliance to proactively test for unsafe, biased, or inaccurate AI outputs.</p>

    <h3>Investor Interest and Future Plans</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After hosting an event with DeepLearning.AI's Andrew Ng, Kim shared insights on LinkedIn, piquing the interest of Salesforce Ventures. The fundraising process took about eight months. The new funding will propel R&D into automated evaluation tools and expand Datumo's market presence in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.</p>

    <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Your feedback is invaluable to us! Share your thoughts on our coverage and events by filling out </em><a target="_blank" href="https://survey.researchresults.com/survey/selfserve/53b/g002/s0064551?list=tcap#?" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>this survey</em></a><em> for a chance to win a prize!</em></p>
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Sure! Here are five FAQs with answers regarding Datumo’s recent funding and its mission:

FAQs about Datumo’s Funding and Mission

1. What is Datumo, and what does it do?
Answer: Datumo is a Seoul-based technology company specializing in data management and artificial intelligence solutions. The company aims to streamline data processes for businesses, helping them harness the power of AI technologies effectively.

2. How much funding did Datumo recently secure, and who are its investors?
Answer: Datumo raised $15.5 million in funding, with significant backing from Salesforce. This investment underscores the growing interest in AI and data management solutions.

3. How does Datumo plan to compete with Scale AI?
Answer: Datumo intends to differentiate itself by providing unique data services and advanced AI capabilities tailored to the needs of businesses in various industries. The company aims to offer more customizable and integrated solutions compared to its competitors.

4. Why is Salesforce’s investment significant for Datumo?
Answer: Salesforce’s investment is significant because it not only provides financial support but also enhances Datumo’s credibility and visibility in the tech industry. It may also open doors for strategic partnerships and access to a broader customer base.

5. What are the future plans for Datumo following this funding round?
Answer: Following this funding round, Datumo plans to expand its product offerings, invest in research and development, and enhance its sales and marketing efforts to grow its market presence and better serve its clients.

Feel free to ask if you need more information!

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Female-Led Semiconductor AI Startup SixSense Secures $8.5M in Funding

A Revolutionary AI Platform from Singapore’s SixSense Enhances Semiconductor Manufacturing

A Singapore-based deep tech startup, SixSense, has unveiled an AI-driven platform aimed at helping semiconductor manufacturers detect and predict chip defects in real time.

Series A Funding Boosts Growth

SixSense has successfully raised $8.5 million in its Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to approximately $12 million. This round was spearheaded by Peak XV’s Surge (previously known as Sequoia India & SEA), with contributions from Alpha Intelligence Capital, FEBE, and additional partners.

Founders with Vision

Established in 2018 by engineers Akanksha Jagwani (CTO) and Avni Agarwal (CEO), SixSense is addressing a critical challenge in semiconductor manufacturing: transforming vast amounts of raw production data—ranging from defect images to equipment signals—into actionable insights that enhance quality control and yield.

Despite the extensive data generated on production floors, the co-founders recognized a significant gap in real-time analytics.

Expertise Behind the Innovation

Akanksha offers a wealth of experience in manufacturing, quality control, and software automation, having developed solutions for companies like Hyundai Motors and GE, as well as leading product development at startups such as Embibe. Avni, equipped with extensive technical know-how from her tenure at Visa, has crafted large-scale data analytics systems, some of which are trade secrets. Her passion lies in applying AI solutions to traditional industries beyond fintech.

Image Credits: SixSense

Identifying Opportunities in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Together, the duo explored various sectors including aviation and automotive before landing on semiconductors. Despite its reputation for precision, Agarwal noted that inspection processes are still largely manual and fragmented. Conversations with over 50 engineers revealed a significant need for modernization in quality assurance methods.

Challenges in Current Quality Checks

Current fabrication facilities overflow with dashboards, SPC charts, and inline inspection systems; however, these often only present data without offering deeper analytical capabilities. Agarwal expressed, “The responsibility for decision-making still rests on engineers, leading to time-consuming, subjective processes that struggle to keep pace with increasing complexity.”

Proactive Solutions for Semiconductor Challenges

SixSense empowers engineers by providing early warnings about potential issues with features like defect detection, root cause analysis, and failure prediction.

Designed for process engineers rather than data scientists, Agarwal emphasized that “process engineers can customize models using their own fab data, deploy them in under two days, and trust the outcomes—all without needing to code.” This approach combines power with practicality.

Competitive Landscape and Market Reach

SixSense faces competition from in-house engineering teams using tools like Cognex and Halcon, inspection equipment manufacturers integrating AI solutions, and other startups such as Landing.ai and Robovision.

The platform is already operational at major semiconductor manufacturers, including GlobalFoundries and JCET, with over 100 million chips processed to date. Clients have reported production cycle times up to 30% faster, yield improvements of 1-2%, and a staggering 90% decrease in manual inspection workloads, as stated by the founders. The technology is compatible with inspection equipment that commands over 60% of the global market.

Target Customers and Global Expansion

“Our target customers are large-scale chipmakers—foundries, outsourced semiconductor assembly and test providers (OSATs), and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs),” Agarwal stated. “We are already collaborating with fabs in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Israel, and we are now setting our sights on expanding into the U.S.”

Adapting to Global Manufacturing Trends

With geopolitical tensions influencing chip manufacturing locales, new investments are flowing into fabs across the globe.

“We’re witnessing aggressive expansions in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, and the U.S.,” Agarwal noted. “This trend is beneficial for us, as we’re already situated in the region, and many new facilities are starting anew—unencumbered by legacy systems. This openness makes them more receptive to AI-native approaches like ours from the outset.”

FAQ about SixSense

1. What is SixSense?

SixSense is a female-founded semiconductor AI startup that specializes in leveraging artificial intelligence to innovate in the semiconductor industry. The company aims to enhance performance and efficiency within semiconductor manufacturing processes through cutting-edge AI solutions.

2. How much funding did SixSense recently raise?

SixSense has successfully raised $8.5 million in its latest funding round. This investment will be used to accelerate the development of its AI technologies and expand its market reach.

3. Who are the key investors in SixSense?

The funding round includes participation from notable venture capital firms and angel investors who are committed to promoting diversity in tech and supporting innovative solutions in the semiconductor space.

4. What are the potential applications of SixSense’s AI technology?

The AI solutions developed by SixSense can be applied to various aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, including quality control, process optimization, and predictive maintenance, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs for manufacturers.

5. How does SixSense contribute to diversity in the tech industry?

As a female-founded startup, SixSense actively promotes diversity within the tech sector by leading with a strong representation of women in technology and entrepreneurship, aiming to inspire and encourage other women to enter the semiconductor and AI fields.

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AI Data Analyst Startup Julius Secures $10M in Seed Funding

Julius AI Secures $10 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize Data Analysis

Julius AI, an innovative startup presenting itself as an AI data analyst, has successfully raised a $10 million seed round led by Bessemer Venture Partners.

A Star-Studded Round of Investment

In addition to Bessemer, Horizon VC, 8VC, Y Combinator, and the AI Grant accelerator participated in the funding round, supported by high-profile angel investors including Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch, and Twilio co-founder Jeff Lawson.

From Y Combinator to a Unique AI Solution

Founder Rahul Sonwalkar established Julius after his graduation from Y Combinator in 2022, pivoting from an earlier logistics startup he developed during the accelerator program.

Empowering Users with AI-Driven Data Insights

Julius operates like a data scientist, analyzing and visualizing vast datasets while performing predictive modeling through natural language prompts. Its unique features differentiate it from competitors like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s Gemini. The platform has already attracted over 2 million users, generating more than 10 million visualizations.

Conversational AI: Making Data Analysis Effortless

“The easiest way to use Julius is to just talk to it,” Sonwalkar explained in a previous TechCrunch interview. “You can interact with the AI like you would with a team analyst, and it will run the necessary code to perform the analysis for you.”

Real-World Applications: Data Visualization Across Industries

Julius is capable of answering intricate questions and presenting results in charts, such as: “Can you visualize how revenue and net income correlate for different industries in China versus the US?”

Academic Recognition: Collaboration with Harvard Business School

Julius’ rich capabilities caught the attention of Harvard Business School professor Iavor Bojinov, who requested Sonwalkar to customize the tool for HBS’ new required course, Data Science and AI for Leaders.

Defying Skepticism: The Importance of Focused Use Cases

Reflecting on his journey, Sonwalkar stated, “People told us you’re not going to succeed,” when considering a product that mirrors foundational model companies. “What we found was that having a focused use case is critical.”

Viral Prank to Entrepreneurial Success

During his time at Y Combinator, Sonwalkar orchestrated a viral prank involving the acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk. Dressed as a laid-off engineer, Sonwalkar introduced himself as “Rahul Ligma” outside Twitter’s headquarters.

Transitioning from Prankster to Recognized Innovator

Despite the viral appeal of the stunt, Sonwalkar asserts that Julius is the real story now. “I don’t think many people know me for that anymore,” he remarked. “I get recognized for Julius a lot more now.”

Here are five FAQs regarding the news of Julius, the AI data analyst startup that secured a $10 million seed round:

FAQ 1: What is Julius?

Answer: Julius is an innovative startup that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide data analysis solutions. The platform aims to make data insights more accessible to businesses, helping them make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analytics.

FAQ 2: How much funding did Julius recently secure?

Answer: Julius successfully raised $10 million in a seed funding round. This investment is intended to support the development of their platform and expand their market presence.

FAQ 3: Who invested in Julius?

Answer: The details of the investors in this seed round have not been publicly disclosed. However, venture capital firms and angel investors often participate in seed funding rounds, particularly for promising tech startups.

FAQ 4: What will Julius use the $10 million for?

Answer: The funding will likely be allocated towards further developing their AI technology, enhancing their data analytics platform, hiring talent, and expanding their marketing efforts to reach a wider audience.

FAQ 5: What sets Julius apart from other data analytics companies?

Answer: Julius differentiates itself by leveraging advanced AI algorithms to deliver more accurate and actionable insights. Their user-friendly interface and tailored services also aim to simplify data analysis, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to harness the power of their data.

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Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab Secures $2 Billion in Funding, Valued at $10 Billion

The Rise of Thinking Machines Lab: A $2 Billion Seed Round Success

Thinking Machines Lab, the AI startup co-founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has successfully closed a $2 billion seed funding, as reported by The Financial Times. This impressive round values the startup at $10 billion, just six months after its inception.

Startup Focus Remains Mysterious

Despite attracting significant investment, the specific focus of Thinking Machines Lab remains unclear. The startup has gained traction by leveraging Murati’s esteemed reputation, alongside a team of high-profile AI researchers, in what may become one of the largest seed funding rounds in history. Sources cited by the FT indicate that Andreessen Horowitz led the funding, with additional support from Sarah Guo’s Conviction Partners.

Mira Murati: From OpenAI to Entrepreneur

Murati departed from OpenAI last September, where she spearheaded the development of key products like ChatGPT and DALL-E. Several of her former colleagues from OpenAI have joined her at the new startup, including co-founder John Schulman.

Leadership Changes Amid Controversy

Murati is among several executives who left OpenAI after raising concerns regarding CEO Sam Altman’s leadership in 2023. Following Altman’s ouster by the board in November of that year, Murati briefly served as interim CEO before Altman was reinstated shortly thereafter.

Here are five FAQs based on the closure of Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, which recently secured $2 billion at a $10 billion valuation:

FAQ 1: What is Thinking Machines Lab?

Answer: Thinking Machines Lab is an innovative research and development facility focused on advanced AI technologies and machine learning. Under the leadership of Mira Murati, the lab aims to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence applications across various industries.

FAQ 2: How much funding has Thinking Machines Lab recently secured?

Answer: Thinking Machines Lab has recently closed a funding round of $2 billion, significantly boosting its financial resources for further research and development initiatives in the AI space.

FAQ 3: What is the current valuation of Thinking Machines Lab?

Answer: Following the latest funding round, Thinking Machines Lab has reached a valuation of $10 billion. This valuation underscores the growing confidence in its potential and the future of AI technologies.

FAQ 4: What will the funding be primarily used for?

Answer: The $2 billion funding will be primarily allocated to enhance research capabilities, hire top talent, develop cutting-edge AI products, and expand strategic partnerships within the technology ecosystem.

FAQ 5: Who is Mira Murati, and what role does she play in the lab?

Answer: Mira Murati is a prominent figure in the AI field, serving as the head of Thinking Machines Lab. She is known for her leadership and vision, driving innovative projects that harness the power of artificial intelligence for societal benefits.

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