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For those that are new around here, this is an extension of my weekly newsletter where I highlight new and innovative AI products that are worth exploring.

Hey hey!

Happy Wednesday!

Here’s your news in newsletter!

Strap in, we have another big issue this week!

In this Issue:

• Your Weekly Industry News Recap

• Talks With Quebec Tech’s CEO

• The Raise Recap

The Headliner: Open AI O1-REASONING 🧠 

OpenAI is making strides in enhancing AI reasoning with their new o1-preview models, designed to tackle complex tasks like coding and math. These advancements build on ongoing research into teaching large language models (LLMs) to reason better, using reinforcement learning to sharpen their problem-solving skills. Curious how this is transforming AI? Check out the o1-preview here and dive into learning strategies for LLMs here.

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Your Weekly Industry News Recap

Some other notable news and product launches from this week

• Salesforce's New AI Strategy Acknowledges That AI Will Take Jobs
  Salesforce is diving deep into AI, but they’re not shying away from the tough conversation: AI will impact jobs. This shift reflects broader changes across industries as automation ramps up. Want to know how Salesforce plans to handle the disruption? Click here to find out.

• Taiwan Mobile Makes $124M AI Investment in Software Firm
  Taiwan Mobile just invested $124 million in an AI software firm, a huge move for the telecom sector. This signals a serious commitment to incorporating AI in network operations. Curious about the AI-tech telecom connection? Learn more here.

• Microsoft Updates AI Agents, Copilots
  Microsoft is enhancing its AI-powered agents and copilots, making productivity tools even smarter. These updates will change how users interact with everyday software like Microsoft Office. Want to stay ahead of the AI-driven productivity wave? Check out the details here.

• Apple Unveils iPhone 16 with AI Focus and New Product Lineup
  Apple just announced the iPhone 16, and it’s all about AI. From smarter cameras to advanced performance, AI is taking center stage in Apple's new product lineup. Want to know what this means for the future of smartphones? Read more here.

• Skyfire and Echelon Join Forces to Launch AI-Powered Drone Technology
  Skyfire and Echelon are teaming up to bring AI-powered drone tech to the next level. Their AI-driven systems will be game-changers in industries like defense and surveillance. Curious about where drone tech is headed? Click here to find out.

• IBM Watson AI Adds the Ability to Access Custom Foundation Models
  IBM's Watson AI just got a huge upgrade — now it can handle custom foundation models. This could change the game for businesses looking for more personalized AI solutions. Want to see how this fits into the future of enterprise AI? Read on here.

• AI Startup Poolside Nears $3 Billion Valuation to Rival Microsoft’s GitHub
  Poolside, the AI startup, is about to hit a $3 billion valuation and could challenge GitHub! This could change the landscape for developers working with AI-driven tools. Want to see how Poolside is shaking up the space? Click here to learn more.

An Organization On A Mission, Québec Tech: AI Talent On The Global Stage

“The goal is clear: to nurture home-grown talent and perform both locally and across Canada, and to export QC to the world.”

During ALL IN this week, I had the opportunity to pull Richard Chénier, the CEO of Quebec Tech aside for a short table-side chat. He took me on an inside tour into the transformation of Startup Montréal into Québec Tech. And let me tell you, this full stack shakeup (✨rebrand included ✨) has run quite deep. When asked about it, Richard and his team were brimming with focus. Their initiative has become a total overhaul of mission, purpose, and ambition, all in the name of staking Québec’s claim on the map as a powerhouse in AI and tech innovation. “We’ve got a renewed purpose, and a bold mission. Bringing Québec’s incredible talent pool to be seen for what it really is: a force to be reckoned with in AI, and tech innovation.”

A United Front for Québec’s Tech Ecosystem

One of the key shifts with Québec Tech’s new mission is the unification of what was once a fragmented tech scene in the province. Richard explained that in the past years, large pockets of Québec’s ecosystem was somewhat disjointed. But now, with Québec Tech’s position as the nexus & enabler, things are changing. “We’re a united front with refreshed lines of communication and clear handoffs. We’re now geared for international impact,” Richard shared. We can all agree that there are some growing pains on the horizon, as different sectors find their stride, but Québec’s AI talent pool is vast, particularly in Montreal. Fun fact: “No fewer than eight Canadian cities made the list of “Top 50 Tech Talent markets” according to CBRE. “ - InvestInCanada

A Need for Better Commercialization

While Québec ranks well in research and development (R&D), Richard admitted that the province has some catching up to do when it comes to commercializing its innovations. “We’re already winning when it comes to converting a large portion of talent into skilled knowledge workers, but frankly, it’s to the detriment of our ability to put that knowledge to commercial use in Canadian-owned IP.”

This is where Québec Tech steps in. By offering resources, guidance, and connections, the organization helps startups transition from R&D-driven projects to market-ready products. “We want cool companies and cool products to stay here,” Richard explained. “It’s about nurturing talent that can make an impact both locally and internationally.”

Thinking Big, Competing Globally

When asked which industries are poised to benefit most from Québec Tech’s initiatives, Richard was confident that AI would continue to play a transformative role across multiple sectors, from healthcare to agriculture. But he also emphasized the need for startups to think big from the get-go. “We’re competing internationally. Thinking big is mandatory when starting small. The concepts that serve are the ones that survive.”

Québec Tech aims to be the central point of reference for startups in AI and tech innovation. Richard summed it up perfectly: “We’re the hub of knowing who to talk to. We’re going to make you shine. Our drive is to help you win and differentiate yourself.”

A Message for the World

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Richard what message he would shout from the rooftops to the rest of the world about Québec Tech and its AI talent. Without missing a beat, he responded, “We have the largest talent pool per capita for AI. When it comes to the worldwide AI line card, Montreal is a must.”

And there you have it—Québec Tech is coming for the limelight with its ecosystem  fostering home-grown talent, and focusing on AI. Strap in,  big things are coming and I might 😉 bring you more on this rise.

This Week’s Raise Recap

• Akur8 Secures $120 Million in Series C Round to Accelerate Growth
  Akur8 just closed a whopping $120 million Series C round! They’re revolutionizing the insurance industry with their next-gen actuarial platform, making risk modeling faster and more accurate. If you're curious about how AI is transforming traditional sectors, this one's a must-read. Click here for more details.

• Smartcat Raises $43M in Series C as Investors Look for High-ROI AI Use Cases
  Smartcat just secured $43 million to scale their AI-powered translation platform! With the rise of global business, their tech is crucial in improving language services and localization. Want to know why investors are flocking to high-ROI AI startups? Read on here.

• Nura Bio Closes Series A Financing with $68 Million
  Nura Bio has raised $68 million in their Series A to fuel AI-driven drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. With a total of $140 million raised, they’re aiming to make a serious impact on healthcare innovation. If cutting-edge AI biotech excites you, you won’t want to miss this. Click here to learn more.

• Korio Secures Series A Funding to Accelerate Growth of RTSM Platform
  Korio just locked in Series A funding to ramp up their innovative trial supply management (RTSM) platform. This is a big win for AI's role in streamlining clinical trials, potentially speeding up the whole process. Interested in how AI is helping the pharma world? Read more here.

• AceUp Raises $22.5M in Series A Funding
  AceUp has just raised $22.5 million to expand their AI-driven executive coaching platform. They’re focusing on personalized leadership development, powered by AI, for businesses everywhere. Want to know more about the future of AI in corporate training? Check out the full story.

• Brightflow Raises €16.5M in Series A Funding
  Brightflow just scored €16.5 million to take their AI-powered financial analytics platform to the next level. They're making it easier for companies to manage cash flow and forecasting. Curious how AI is changing the way businesses handle their finances? Click here to find out.

• Supermaven Raises $12M in Series A Funding
  Supermaven raised $12 million to help retailers supercharge their marketing with AI. Their tech is set to make customer engagement smarter and more personalized. If you're into AI-driven retail solutions, you'll want to know all about this. Read more here.

• Cavela Raises $2 Million Without a Pitch Deck
  AI manufacturing startup Cavela raised $2 million — without even needing a pitch deck! This speaks volumes about how much investors trust in AI's disruptive potential. Curious how they pulled it off? Find out here.

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Stay well, and see you Friday!

-✌🏽 Sam