IBM has acquired Seek AI, a New York-based startup that helps businesses analyze data using natural language.
The acquisition was announced on June 2, 2025, although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Alongside the acquisition, IBM introduced Watsonx AI Labs, a new AI accelerator located in Manhattan. Seek AI will relocate to the facility and play a central role in its operations.
Seek AI
This AI company was founded in 2021 by Sarah Nagy. The startup developed software that lets users ask data-related questions in plain English.
Then it translates those questions into database queries. In doing so, Seek AI eliminates the need for technical skills.
Business users can access insights directly, without ever involving a data analyst. The software also performs automatic summarization, helping teams act quickly on key findings.
Before its acquisition, Seek AI had raised around $10 million from investors like Battery Ventures, Conviction Partners, and NJP Ventures.
Watsonx AI Labs
The new Watsonx AI Labs will serve as IBM’s innovation center for enterprise AI. It is located at One Madison Avenue, also the future home of Seek AI.
The lab will host IBM researchers, engineers, and startup teams to build scalable, enterprise-ready AI solutions. It will also serve as a training ground for AI developers.
IBM plans to collaborate with local universities and research institutions. These partnerships will support talent development and innovation.
Startups joining the accelerator will receive access to IBM’s engineers and AI resources, mentorship, and product development support, potential funding from IBM Ventures and an ffice space in the heart of Manhattan.
IBM’s AI Strategy
The company’s focus is on practical AI solutions for business use. Its Watsonx platform supports this mission by helping companies build, train, and deploy AI models.
With Seek AI, IBM gains tools that simplify data access. This fits well with an increasing demand for user-friendly enterprise AI.
Sarah Nagy, Seek’s CEO, said the company will now scale faster under IBM. In a LinkedIn post, she stated:
“We’ll scale our platform, deploy mission-critical solutions for IBM clients, empower the next generation of AI developers, and grow our team significantly.”
Ritika Gunnar, IBM General Manager for Data and AI, emphasized the importance of location and collaboration:
“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.”
