Salesforce chooses London to open its 1st AI Center

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Salesforce announced Thursday it has chosen London to open its first artificial intelligence (AI) Center on June 18.

The AI Center, located in the Blue Fin building, will be "a physical space that will foster collaboration by bringing together industry experts, partners, and customers to advance AI innovation while providing critical upskilling opportunities," it said in a statement.

"The decision signals a vote of confidence in the United Kingdom’s AI economy, and is accompanied by news about Salesforce Ventures investments, new products, and training in artificial intelligence," it added.

The move, in addition, is part of the American cloud-based software company’s plan to invest $4 billion in AI innovation and growth in the UK over the next five years.

Salesforce Ventures has invested more than $200 million in companies in the UK, including ElevenLabs, the text-to-speech and AI voice generator, and AutoGenAI, the world’s leading AI bid writing engine, according to the statement.

The company said it hosts its annual London World Tour with more than 17,500 attendees, which include customers from major firms such as Aston Martin, McLaren Racing, Simplyhealth, Just Eat Takeaway and John Lewis Partnership.

"AI has the potential to drive major growth for UK businesses – with the UK AI market predicted to reach over $1 trillion by 2035," said Salesforce UKI CEO Zahra Bahrololoumi.

"By locating Salesforce’s first AI Center in London, we are sending a clear message to customers and partners on AI: we are deeply committed to working closely together so that you can reap the rewards of this transformative technology, while ensuring it is a force for good," she added.

The San Francisco-based company on May 30 saw its shares plummet 19.7% on the New York Stock Exchange as its financial results were weaker than estimates.