IBM acquires Seek AI to scale Watsonx AI Labs
On Monday, IBM announced its acquisition of Seek AI, a New York City-based artificial intelligence startup that enables users to query enterprise data using natural language. Though the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores IBM’s continued push into enterprise AI, a strategy that’s been fueling its recent growth.
Founded in 2021 by Sarah Nagy, Seek AI built its platform to simplify how businesses interact with complex datasets. The company’s tools translate natural language questions into database queries, effectively turning data exploration into a conversational experience. This functionality aligns with a broader industry shift toward more intuitive, low-barrier access to business intelligence.
Nagy confirmed that Seek’s technology will now be a foundational part of Watsonx AI Labs, IBM’s newly launched AI accelerator headquartered in Manhattan. As part of the acquisition, Seek will relocate its headquarters to One Madison, where IBM is also establishing its new offices and AI innovation center.
“[W]e’ll scale our platform, deploy mission-critical solutions for IBM clients, empower the next generation of AI developers, and grow our team significantly,” Nagy said in a LinkedIn post.
IBM’s focus on enterprise-grade AI is paying dividends. The company’s first-quarter earnings surpassed analyst expectations, driven largely by strong software performance and growing demand for AI capabilities. With Seek AI joining the fold, IBM gains a nimble, innovation-driven team equipped with tools designed to make AI more accessible to business users.
Watsonx AI Labs aims to be more than just a corporate accelerator. According to Ritika Gunnar, IBM’s GM of Data and AI, the lab will be a collaborative hub uniting engineers, researchers, and startups. “By anchoring this mission in New York City, we are investing in a diverse, world‑class talent pool and a vibrant community whose innovations have long shaped the tech landscape,” she said.
Startups working within Watsonx AI Labs will have access to IBM's R&D infrastructure, mentorship from top engineers, and potential funding through IBM Ventures and its $500 million enterprise AI investment fund. IBM also plans to foster academic partnerships with local universities and research institutions, reinforcing New York City’s status as a rising hub for AI development.
Seek AI had previously raised approximately $10 million from investors including Battery Ventures and Conviction Partners. Now, as part of IBM, its technology and team will play a central role in developing enterprise-ready AI products and contributing to the broader Watsonx ecosystem.
This acquisition marks another step in IBM’s efforts to lead in the competitive AI arms race, particularly within the enterprise sector where practical applications and scalability are paramount.
