Through its collaboration with OpenAI, Microsoft has taken the lead in the battle for generative artificial intelligence
Microsoft’s cloud customers, on the other hand, are interested in exploring various AI models for multiple use cases and to control costs better, given the rapid evolution of AI technology.
Thus, Microsoft hedges its odds with the following investments:
1. G42
This Abu Dhabi-based technology conglomerate, in which Microsoft has invested $1.5 billion, has developed some of the most advanced large language models (LLMs) for Arabic.
The investment is commonly perceived as a recompense facilitated by the United States in exchange for G42 terminating its previously intimate associations with China and Chinese semiconductor manufacturers.
2. Mistral
Founded in 2023 by former DeepMind researchers, the Paris-based startup has amassed an army of open-source LLMs that are exceptionally capable.
Mistral has received venture capital funding totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Microsoft has invested a modest sum of $16 million in the company and provides Mistral’s models on Azure.
3. Wayve
London-based Wayve Wayve develops autonomous vehicle software that does not necessitate specialized sensors or comprehensive street mapping.
Instead, it directly outputs the correct driving actions based on visual data, substantially improving over many competing systems. Wayve has received funding from Microsoft on multiple occasions, including a $1 billion financing in May.
4. Figure
A startup that develops humanoid robotics for commercial applications has garnered acclaim for its groundbreaking technology demonstrations.
Additionally, OpenAI has partnered to supply the devices with AI intelligence. In February, Microsoft contributed $675 million to a funding round that valued the Sunnyvale, California-based company at over $2 billion.