Salesforce Launches AI Centre in London, Pledges $4 Billion Investment

Posted on Jun 24, 2024 at 08:06 AM

Salesforce, the leading AI CRM, has chosen London as the site for its inaugural AI Centre. This new hub will foster collaboration by bringing together partners, customers, and industry experts to drive AI innovation and provide essential upskilling opportunities. Over the next five years, Salesforce plans to invest $4 billion in AI research and development in the UK, starting with the Salesforce UK AI Centre located in the Blue Fin building.

Investment in UK AI Firms

Salesforce Ventures has already committed over $200 million to UK-based firms, including Eleven Labs, a text-to-speech and AI voice generator, and AutoGenAI, the world's premier AI bid authoring engine. During its annual London World Tour, Salesforce announced the opening of its UK AI Centre and shared the latest investment figures. The event drew more than 17,500 attendees eager to hear from clients like Aston Martin, McLaren Racing, Simplyhealth, Just Eat Takeaway, and John Lewis Partnership.

Unveiling New AI Products

In addition to opening the AI Centre, Salesforce will reveal its latest AI product developments and announce the UK availability of its Data Cloud starting in July on Hyperforce, a public cloud-based platform. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Salesforce's substantial investment in the UK, viewing it as a significant economic endorsement. Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce UKI, stated, "AI has the potential to drive major growth for UK businesses - with the UK AI market predicted to reach over $1 trillion by 2035. To realize this opportunity, industry-leading experts must work together to develop innovative solutions and overcome obstacles."

London: A Growing AI Hub

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London, welcomed the launch of Salesforce's UK AI Centre, emphasizing London's growing status as a global hub for AI businesses. Moreover, companies like Accenture, Deloitte Digital, IBM Consulting, and Slalom are investing in Salesforce UK AI practices to meet the rising demand for AI implementation services in the region. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the UK Salesforce economy, influenced by Salesforce and its partners, could create over 500,000 jobs by 2028.

Launch Event and Training

The official launch of the AI Centre is set for June 18, marked by a free event to train over 100 developers. This centre is the first of many planned globally and will support Salesforce's operations in the UK and Ireland, led by CEO Zahra Bahrololoumi. The AI Now Tour will also train over 100 developers and administrative workers worldwide, preparing them for the next generation of generative AI applications.

Financial Highlights

Despite falling slightly short of expert projections of $9.17 billion, Salesforce's revenue for the period was $9.13 billion, an 11% increase from the previous year. The company forecasted adjusted earnings of $2.34 to $2.36 per share for the current quarter, compared to the $2.40 per share anticipated by analysts.

Trailhead's Impact

Salesforce's Trailhead, a free online learning platform, has been instrumental in helping over 7 million people develop AI skills and prepare for the future. In the UK alone, users have earned 2.9 million badges from completed learning modules and projects, highlighting the platform's significant impact on skill development.

In summary, Salesforce's establishment of its first AI Centre in London and its substantial investment in the UK underscore the company's commitment to fostering AI innovation and growth in the region. With continued support from industry leaders and the government, the UK's AI sector is poised for significant advancements in the coming years.

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