Virtual assistant company works to reimage how machines interact with humans
New Zealand company, Soul Machines, has raised US$40 million in series B investment to help with its quest to re-imagine how humans connect with machines.
Soul Machines is an AGI Research company developing an autonomous animation platform aimed at humanising brands and the ways people engage with them. The latest investment round was led by Temasek from Singapore, with participation from Lakestar, a European Venture Fund, and Salesforce Ventures, along with further investment from existing investors Horizons Ventures, University of Auckland Inventors Fund and others from earlier rounds.
With the funds, Soul Machines plans to continue expanding globally with specific focus on research and development and increasing its operating footprint around the world to meet growing demand.
Soul Machines describes its technology as lifelike, emotionally responsive 'digital heroes with personality and character' that talk to humans face-to-face. The company has deployed its HumanOS platform and virtual assistants for a range of global brands in retail, automotive, banking and finance including Procter & Gamble, Bank ABC, The Royal Bank of Scotland and more. Key initiatives in the education and healthcare fields are also underway.
Among its avatars is Nadia, a virtual human voiced by Cate Blanchett and trialled by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in 2018. Nadia was designed to operate across multiple channels from the outset to create a consistent interaction for clients, with the face being just one representation. Another example of Soul Machines’ virtual humans in action is Sophie, a pilot customer interaction project for Air New Zealand.
Soul Machines was founded by Academy Award winner, Mark Sagar, and serial entrepreneur, Greg Cross, in 2016 and spun out of the University of Auckland.
“We have enjoyed getting to know and work with the teams at Temasek, Lakestar and Salesforce Ventures and believe they are the perfect partners to help as we continue to expand and grow our business, technology and client base globally,” Cross said. “We are very grateful for the continued support from Horizons Ventures who are highly valued partners that understand how great technology businesses are built."
Salesforce Ventures head of Australia, Rob Keith, said it is proud to announce Salesforce Ventures’ investment in Soul Machines because it has an obsessive focus on improving customer experience by using artificial intelligence technology in new ways.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Soul Machines as it scales and realises its global aspirations,” he stated.
Follow CMO on Twitter: @CMOAustralia, take part in the CMO conversation on LinkedIn: CMO ANZ, follow our regular updates via CMO Australia's Linkedin company page, or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMOAustralia.
In this episode of Conversations over a Cuppa with CMO, ABC's director of audiences, Leisa Bacon, shares how she's navigated the COVID-19 crisis, the milestones and adaptability it's ushered in, and what sustained lessons there are for marketers as we start to recover.
In my first article in this MYOD [Make Your Organisation Data-Driven] series, I articulated a one-line approach to successfully injecting data into your organisation’s DNA: Using a Dataset -> Skillset -> Mindset framework. This will take your people and processes on a journey to data actualisation.
For businesses and advertiser categories currently experiencing a slowdown in consumer activity, now is the optimal time to get started on projects that have been of high importance, but low urgency.
The effects of the coronavirus slammed the brakes on retail sales in pubs, clubs and restaurants. Fever-Tree’s Australia GM Andy Gaunt explains what they have learnt from some tricky months of trading
Hi everyone! Hope you are doing well. I just came across your website and I have to say that your work is really appreciative. Your conte...
Rochie Grey
Will 3D printing be good for retail?
Zero proof spiritsUsa since 2011 www.arkaybeverages.com🤪🤟
Sylvie
How this alcohol-free spirits brand rode the health and wellness wave
okay this a good newsmaybe i gonna try it
kenzopoker1
CMO's top 8 martech stories for the week - 9 July 2020
Very insightful. Executive leaders can let middle managers decide on the best course of action for the business and once these plans are ...
Abi TCA
CMOs: Let middle managers lead radical innovation
One failing brand tying up with another failing brand!
Realist
Binge and The Iconic launch Inactivewear clothing line