Apple Inc has bought Perceptio, a start-up developing technology, to let firms run advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems on smartphones without needing to share as much user data. The firm's leaders, Nicolas Pinto and Zak Stone, are established AI researchers, who specialise in developing image-recognition systems using deep learning. Apple confirmed the acquisition, according to Bloomberg News.
PLDT invests in $10-mn JV
PLDT Capital, investment arm of the Philippine telecom giant PLDT, has invested $10 million in a joint venture with US mobile services and applications firm Phunware. "The JV will enable PLDT's arm ePLDT to market and distribute Phunware's mobile and multi-screen solutions in Southeast Asia," PLDT Capital said. The firm currently supports 500 million monthly users on its platform, Tech in Asia said.
Blacklane seeks funds
Blacklane GmbH, a Berlin-based chauffeur service firm, which links travellers with professional drivers via a smartphone app and its website, is in talks with investors for additional financing after raising about $28 million since the firm was founded in 2011, a Bloomberg News report said.
HipVan raises $3.3 mn
E-commerce site HipVan has completed a series-A round of funding worth $3.32 million. The round was led by venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures. HipVan is an online store specialising in designer furniture and lifestyle products. The firm will use the funding "quite evenly to grow the business," said co-founder and chief executive officer Danny Tan. HipVan plans to grow its investment into its private label of products, Tech in Asia said.
Rich Ford joins Roofstock
Rich Ford, managing director of Jefferies Group's real estate investment-banking arm, left the firm to join Roofstock, an online trading platform for rental-home investors. Ford is now chief development officer of Roofstock. The firm was co-founded by Gregor Watson, chief revenue officer of Blackstone Group LP's rental-home finance firm, and Beasley, former co-CEO of Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust, one of the largest US owners of single-family homes, Bloomberg News said.
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