According to research GTD has done in recent months, 80% of digital executives and technology entrepreneurs believe that AI and machine learning are the top areas in which their company should invest more in the near future. Nevertheless, over two-thirds (66%) of this leadership group also reported that they lacked a procedure for determining and ranking the best investment possibilities. According to Fred McClimans, technology and equity analyst at Futurum Research, "developing AI-based technology is not cheap or fast, and most tech providers will find it more efficient and effective to purchase rather than build in-house."

Although there is obviously no one-size-fits-all method for determining which AI investment areas to prioritize, our research shows that AI companies developing distinctive capabilities are drawing more and more investment from executives seeking to fund AI-driven business transformation across a variety of industries, from gaming and fintech to retail and healthcare. In order to demonstrate the significance of the technology across several sub-sectors, we at GTD have compiled a list of recent acquisitions in the AI sphere in 2021.

The purchase of Altius by Avanade

By strategically purchasing Altius for an unknown sum, Avanade expanded their knowledge of data platforms, managed services, and data visualization skills, which improved their capacity to provide AI on a large scale. Clients have been able to recognize the full potential of their business data by combining Altius' combination of in-depth technical expertise and sophisticated architecture abilities with Avanade's wide range of products and tight relationship with Microsoft. Avanade's technological skills are further enhanced by Altius' proficiency in corporate performance management. Altius is expanding its offerings to encompass more business solutions while still providing its customers with the cutting-edge, cutting-edge data and AI solutions for which it is renowned.

Altius-related: A UK-based corporation called Altius specializes in assisting businesses in utilizing their data to enhance their operations.

Regarding Avanade: On the Microsoft ecosystem, Avanade is the top supplier of cutting-edge cloud and digital services, business solutions, and design-led experiences.

The purchase of NxT Digital by Mindtree

By using NxT Digital's business capabilities to cross-sell and develop comprehensive solutions for both new and existing clients, Mindtree was able to seize opportunities in the IoT and Industry 4.0 markets through its ₹198 crore acquisition of NxT Digital. The acquisition positions Mindtree as one of the top partners for utilizing data and analytics to generate insights and provide customers with transformative services, complementing the company's notable strengths in reimagining the consumer experience.

Regarding Mindtree: An international provider of technology consulting and services, it assists businesses in combining agility and scalability to gain a competitive edge.

Regarding NxT Digital: cloud-based IoT and AI platform for L&T Group's Industry 4.0.

Convey's Acquisition by Project44

For $255 million, Project44 purchased the Convey delivery experience's management firm. More than 880 international shippers and third-party logistics providers were linked to a network of 113,000 carriers, 2.6 million assets, and over 9 billion shipments through the mutually beneficial acquisition between Project44 and Convey. The businesses work together to support the worldwide end-to-end supply chain, helping shippers boost profits while enhancing costs, delivery times, and overall satisfaction.

Concerning Project44: A supply chain platform founded in Chicago provides technology that enable logistics service providers and shippers to track the whereabouts of their shipments.

Regarding Convey: Convey, a delivery experience management software company established in Austin, assists shippers in tying together different data and procedures from package to freight in the final mile.

The Acquisition of Uncanny Vision by Eagle Eye Networks

By strategically integrating Uncanny Vision's AI and analytics into the Eagle Eye platform, the business was able to provide new capabilities and create value for its clients, which helped to improve customer retention. The technology and expertise of Uncanny Vision have enabled Eagle Eye to expand its product line more quickly in order to enhance safety, security, and customer support while providing useful insights to its expanding global clientele. In light of Eagle Eye's future ambitions to grow its Bangalore branch, all Uncanny Vision staff members have been retained.

Regarding Eagle Eye Networks: A worldwide supplier of cloud-based video surveillance systems and supplies.

Regarding Uncanny Vision: Creator of cutting-edge intelligent surveillance systems for smart buildings, smart cities, and infrastructure that use security cameras to monitor people and vehicles.

ERM's purchase of OPEX Group

ERM's expanding digital business has been further strengthened by the mutually beneficial acquisition, which has also increased its data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to help clients who want to operationalize sustainability and spearhead the shift to a low-carbon economy. ERM is now able to grow AI-enabled emissions reduction solutions for its global clientele thanks to the integration of OPEX Group. OPEX gains from ERM's worldwide reach, network, and sustainability knowledge, which enables it to increase its capabilities and reach.

The ERM: The world’s largest pure-play sustainability advice firm, partners with the world’s premier organizations to satisfy the demands of today while preserving opportunities for future generations.

Concerning OPEX Group: A specialized software firm that helps carbon-intensive industries cut emissions by providing AI and data science solutions.

The purchase of Turbonomic by IBM

IBM's most recent move to shift the corporate IT supplier toward multi-cloud software that powers business automation is called Turbonomic. "Full stack application observability and management to insure performance and save costs utilizing AI to optimize resources – such as containers, VMs, servers, storage, networks, and databases" is what the strategic purchase offers IBM partners and clients. By partnering with IBM, Turbonomic will be able to reach and serve a larger customer base.

Regarding IBM: One of the top providers of professional services in the globe, it is revolutionizing its clients' operating, business, and technological models for the digital age.

Regarding Turbonomic: A pioneer in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on data science, business and market intelligence, and advanced analytics.

Governments and organizations are still reacting to and recuperating from the pandemic more than two years later. AI is viewed as a crucial tool in assisting businesses and organizations in responding to the need to digitize company operations and procedures in order to make an operate-from-anywhere remotely work paradigm practicable, even though no cure has been found to stop the epidemic and all of its effects. Businesses are investing more in specialist AI firms to satisfy the shift in business demand brought about by the new normal. These firms can provide complementary solutions to address growth possibilities and expand their Digital Transformation journeys.