Enterprise tech leader Salesforce has announced the opening of a new artificial intelligence center in London, reinforcing the U.K.’s status as a burgeoning global technology hub. The U.S. software giant revealed that the facility, located in the Blue Fin building, spans over 40,000 square feet and can accommodate more than 300 people.
The center is designed to foster collaboration among tech companies, AI experts, Salesforce partners, and customers. It will also provide AI training and upskilling programs. Salesforce aims for the center to contribute to the creation of 500,000 AI-related jobs in the U.K.
Scheduled to officially open on June 18, the center will kick off with a free event aimed at training over 100 developers. This London-based facility is the first of many planned globally and will support Salesforce’s U.K. and Ireland operations. Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce U.K. and Ireland, will oversee the center.
The announcement was made during the Salesforce World Tour event at the London Excel venue, attended by over 17,500 delegates and customers from prominent companies like Aston Martin, McLaren, Just Eat Takeaway, and John Lewis.
“By establishing Salesforce’s flagship AI center in London, we are demonstrating our commitment to helping customers and partners harness the benefits of transformative technology while ensuring it serves as a positive force,” Bahrololoumi stated. The AI center is part of a broader $4 billion investment in the U.K. that Salesforce pledged to make over five years starting in 2023.
Additionally, Salesforce disclosed its investment of more than $200 million in U.K. startups through its venture capital arm, Salesforce Ventures. Beneficiaries include the procurement bid writing platform AutoGen AI and the AI-powered text-to-speech and voice generator Eleven Labs.
This development comes amid scrutiny over the effectiveness of Salesforce’s investments in AI. Last week, the company reported weaker-than-expected revenue for the first quarter and issued guidance that fell short of investor expectations. Salesforce reported $9.13 billion in revenue for the period, an 11% increase from the previous year but below the anticipated $9.17 billion. The company projected adjusted earnings of $2.34 to $2.36 per share for the current quarter, lower than the $2.40 per share expected by analysts.
The new AI center represents Salesforce’s commitment to technological innovation and collaboration, aiming to leverage the U.K.’s robust tech ecosystem and drive future growth and development in AI.
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