Tag: startups

AWS Announces $230 Million Commitment for Generative AI Startups

Amazon Web Services, Inc. today announced a $230 million commitment for startups around the world to accelerate the creation of generative AI applications. This will provide startups, especially early-stage companies, with AWS credits, mentorship, and education to further their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. Part of the new commitment will fund the second cohort of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, a program that provides hands-on expertise and up to $1 million in credits to each of the top 80 early-stage startups that are using generative AI to solve complex challenges. Applications for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator open today and will be accepted until July 19. Startups can apply here.

“For more than 18 years, AWS has helped more startups to build, launch, and scale their business than any other cloud provider—it’s no coincidence that 96% of all AI/ML unicorns run on AWS,” said Matt Wood, vice president, Artificial Intelligence Products at AWS. “With this new effort, we will help startups launch and scale world-class businesses, providing the building blocks they need to unleash new AI applications that will impact all facets of how the world learns, connects, and does business.”

Interested startups can learn more about how to access these funds here. Startups can use AWS credits to access AWS compute, storage, and database technologies, as well as AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia2, energy-efficient AI chips that offer high performance at the lowest cost. These credits can also be used on Amazon SageMaker, a fully managed service that helps companies build and train their own FMs, as well as to access models and tools to easily and securely build generative AI applications through Amazon Bedrock.

AWS Generative AI Accelerator continues to launch successful startups

The AWS Generative AI Accelerator identifies top early-stage startups that are using generative AI to solve complex challenges in areas such as financial services, healthcare and life sciences, media and entertainment, business, and climate change, among others. Participants will access sessions on ML performance enhancement, stack optimization, and go-to-market strategies. The 10-week program will match participants with both business and technical mentors based on industry vertical. Startups will receive up to $1 million each in AWS credits to help them build, train, test, and launch their generative AI solutions. They will also have access to industry experts, technology, and technical sessions from NVIDIA, the program’s presenting partner, and be invited to join the NVIDIA Inception program, designed to nurture cutting-edge startups.

AWS will announce selected startups for the second cohort on September 10, and the program will kick off on October 1 with in-person sessions at Amazon’s Seattle campus. All 80 participating startups will be invited to attend and showcase their solutions to potential investors, customers, partners, and AWS leaders in December at re:Invent 2024 in Las Vegas.

“AWS has been instrumental in enabling us to scale our generative AI platform to meet the rapidly growing demand from our global user community. Their robust generative AI infrastructure helped us reduce inferencing costs by 60% and accelerate our language model inference speeds by up to 35%,” said Jachin Bhasme, co-founder and COO of Leonardo.AI, a powerful suite of generative AI tools for creators and one of the 21 startups to participate in the first cohort of the program. “The accelerator was also an incredible experience for us. The business and technical mentorship we received and the connections we made played a crucial role in shaping our product and strategy.”

“AWS has the right combination of technology, network of partners, and potential customers in the life sciences space that made it the best fit to support our vision of building the next generation of AI models for drug discovery,” said Nima Alidoust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Vevo Therapeutics, an AI-driven biotechnology startup building the world’s first platform to generate high-resolution, single-cell in vivo data in living organisms at scale. “Participating in the AWS Generative AI Accelerator program provided us with valuable opportunities to tap into this community and to leverage AWS’s infrastructure and expertise in scaling model training and development.”

To learn more about the opportunities for generative AI startups choosing AWS, and the application process for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, visit startups.aws.

ConnectingUs is a new place where we all connect and grow.

Social Media is the thing these days and getting off the ground aint easy starting afresh but it all begins somewhere and of late people are leaving social media in their droves or changing platforms with Musk at the helm of Twitter and Zucks competing with his new take Threads which is limited for most but had a base to begin with being Instagram it will be interesting to see how this works out over time and what changes Musk and Zuckerberg will apply as they compete.

A new idea has been born by where you can have a social network plus more and more is in the works by web designer Adam O Gleason who wants to bring people together in a different way but not only by being a social media outlet it offers more than just what you typically find on your current social media outlets and here is where it got its name from, being a hub for more things than one this is how he hopes to build a nice community overall and take things in a different direction.

Adam tells us

“At ConnectingUs, we believe in the power of connections. We are a dynamic online network that empowers individuals to monetize their content, forge new relationships, and promote their businesses like never before. Our platform is designed to bring together a diverse community of creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are eager to share their passions, expand their networks, and unlock new opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned influencer, a startup founder, or a small business owner, ConnectingUs is your go-to destination for fostering meaningful connections. We provide you with the tools and resources to showcase your unique talents, engage with like-minded individuals, and take your endeavors to new heights.

https://familypets.ie/ one of Adams websites

What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We believe that collaboration is the key to success, and by connecting people from different backgrounds and industries, we aim to inspire innovation, creativity, and mutual growth. Our platform encourages constructive interactions, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, allowing you to learn from others and develop your skills along the way.

Monetizing your content has never been easier. With our integrated monetization features, you can turn your passion into a sustainable source of income. Whether it’s through advertising partnerships, sponsored collaborations, or direct sales of your products and services, we provide the tools and guidance to help you monetize your efforts and build a thriving online business.

But ConnectingUs is about more than just financial gains. It’s about fostering genuine connections and building a supportive community. Our interactive features, such as forums, chat rooms, and virtual events, enable you to engage with fellow members, exchange ideas, and find collaborators for your projects. You can expand your reach, gain valuable insights, and connect with individuals who share your aspirations.

ConnectingUS network – https://connectingus.network/

Join us today and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Whether you’re looking to monetize your content, meet inspiring individuals, or promote your business, ConnectingUs is your gateway to a vibrant network of opportunities. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your passions and create a world where connections thrive”.

Welcome to ConnectingUs, where your dreams meet limitless possibilities.

Delta Partners Targets 30 Tech Investments With New Venture Capital Fund

Dublin-based venture capital firm Delta Partners has announced the launch of its new venture capital fund which will invest into seed and early-stage technology businesses in Ireland. The fund has reached a first close with Bank of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as cornerstone investors, supported by Fexco and several family offices. New investors will be added to the fund over the coming year, with a target close of €70m.

The Delta team will invest in 30 of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting start-ups over the next 3-4 years, and Delta’s strategy is to invest at both the seed stage, where it will be the first institutional investor on board, and the Series A stage as companies launch their products and services internationally and require more capital to fund the scaling stages.

Expanding the team, Maurice Roche and Dermot Berkery, the existing Partners in Delta, are joined by two new Partners. Amy Neale is joining from a senior role in Mastercard where she led innovation teams focused on fintech across the globe from New York to Singapore and Kenya. Richard Barnwell brings vital experience as a hands-on entrepreneur having created Digit Games, previously an investee of Delta Partners which subsequently sold to U.S. games company Scopely.

Delta has a strong track record, with over 120 investee companies to date with successful scaling companies such as Luzern and Sirius XT in the current portfolio. To date, the team has realised €1.8bn from companies such as Clavis (sold to Ascential plc), Sensl (sold to OnSemiconductor) and Neuravi (sold to Johnson & Johnson).

Commenting on the new fund:

 Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “We are constantly looking at ways we can back Irish businesses, especially at an early stage when raising finance is often the most difficult. I really admire those that are brave enough to start their own business. This Fund will be a €70m pot of money, supported by the Government through Enterprise Ireland for seed and early-stage technology businesses, working on ideas that will create the jobs of the future. I look forward to seeing the success of those that receive funding and wish the Delta team the very best of luck.”

 Jillian Clarkin, Head of SME Markets at Bank of Ireland, said: “This new fund will support the talent and ambition of dozens of fledgling Irish technology businesses. I look forward to seeing them grow into successful employers and exporters and I’m excited that Bank of Ireland will be part of that journey. Bank of Ireland is committed to supporting the innovation that is so important to Ireland’s future economic success.”

 Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “This fund will increase the availability of capital to early-stage companies to deliver on their business plans and compete with international peers.  Enterprise Ireland’s focus on seed-stage investments, which enhance diversity and experience in the ecosystem, is underpinned by this excellent launch and we look forward to working with the team at Delta over the coming years.”

 Dermot Berkery and Maurice Roche of Delta Partners Limited said: “This fund is aimed directly at the funding gap for early-stage companies in Ireland. Great Irish entrepreneurs are succeeding across the technology spectrum and the main thing they lack is capital to help them to achieve their ambitions. Our two new partners, Amy and Richard, bring incredible skillsets to help these entrepreneurs along their journeys.  We are delighted to have the support of Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Fexco and the family offices of some of Ireland’s most successful technology entrepreneurs.”

 Neil Hosty, CEO of Fexco Group said: “Innovation is at the core of Fexco’s strategy and we are delighted to support the next generation of Irish technology success stories. This new fund will provide critical investment to exciting new businesses as they take on the international marketplace.”

Google to support Black-led tech startups with $4 million fund to tackle inequality in VC funding

Google for Startups is inviting Ireland-based, Black-led tech startups to apply for this year’s European Black Founders Fund worth a total of $4 million in an effort to help tackle the stark inequality in VC funding.

Black founders have long been playing a key role in Europe’s economy by solving challenges with agility, resilience and innovative technology. But we’ve known for a long time that Black founders do not have the same opportunities and support as many others. Less than 0.5 percent of venture capital (VC) funding goes to Black-led startups, despite the fact that 77% of Black-led tech startups generate revenue and create an average of 5.4 jobs each.

When we opened applications for the first $2 million Google for Startups Black Founders Fund in Europe last year, we were blown away by demand. Almost 800 people applied from across Europe, and 30 startups were selected across fintech, healthcare, beauty, gaming, healthcare and commerce. These startups have gone on to raise over $63 million collectively in funding, and hired more than 100 people, since the program began. When given the right opportunities, Black founders thrive.

Since receiving capital from Google in 2021, founders have gone on to raise funding, hire new employees and grow.

That’s why today, we’re launching a second round of investments in the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund in Europe, a $4 million fund for Black-led tech startups in the region. With double the funding from our inaugural fund, we hope to help even more startups succeed this year.

Established in 2020, the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund provides cash awards — without giving up equity in return — and hands-on support to help Black entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. The Black Founders Fund has awarded more than $16 million in Europe, Brazil, Africa and the U.S. toward making a resounding impact to help Black-led startups secure funding, strengthen communities and create generational change.

In addition to up to $100,000 (approximately 89,000 Euros) in non-dilutive cash awards, Black Founders Fund recipients receive ongoing Google mentorship and product support to help them navigate every stage of their startup process—including up to $200,000 (approximately 179,000 Euros) in Google Cloud credits.

Founders will also be introduced to each other and the global Google for Startups community of experts for leadership, growth and technical support. This includes partnerships with leading firms to provide specialist support ranging from marketing support from WPP; advice on raising capital from Tier 1 venture capitalists; to donated media campaigns and creative support from national broadcasters like ITV.

Last year’s Black Founders Fund recipients have seen tangible growth and success in the nine months since first receiving the awards. That includes AudioMob, a UK-based startup transforming how game developers are monetizing their games, who recently raised another $14 million; Berlin-based Kwara, which digitizes financial cooperatives to give their members an easier way to manage money and build a credit history, which raised $4 million in follow-on funding; and Playbrush, a startup based in Vienna, Austria, making oral health care fun by connecting toothbrushes to phones and tablets, which was acquired by Sunstar in September. We can’t wait to see what this year’s cohort will achieve.

 

La La Land, a Startup which received funding from the first European Black Founders Fund

Applications for the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund in Europe are open from today. Black-led startups with a live product in market and early traction are encouraged to apply. Applications will close on April 17th.

To find out more about the program, and to apply, visit this link: https://www.campus.co/europe/black-founders-fund/