IBM announced Monday that it has acquired Seek AI, a New York-based startup specializing in natural language data analysis, for an undisclosed amount. The deal underscores IBM’s commitment to expanding its enterprise AI offerings and coincides with the launch of Watsonx AI Labs, a new AI accelerator based in Manhattan.
In a press release, IBM announced that Watsonx AI Labs will serve as a collaborative hub, uniting its researchers and engineers to develop AI-driven solutions for businesses. The lab also plans to partner with local universities and research institutions to foster innovation.
Startups that successfully launch products through the accelerator will gain access to IBM’s extensive resources and may be eligible for funding from IBM Ventures, the company’s corporate venture arm, as well as its $500 million enterprise AI investment fund.
Seek AI, founded in 2021 by CEO Sarah Nagy, developed a platform that enables users to query enterprise data using natural language. Its software translates user questions into database queries, delivering advanced data analysis and summaries through an intuitive, chatbot-style interface.
“Seek’s technology will be a foundational piece of Watsonx AI Labs,” Nagy said in a LinkedIn post. “We’ll scale our platform, deliver mission-critical solutions for IBM clients, and significantly grow our team.”
As part of the acquisition, Seek AI will relocate its headquarters to One Madison—home to both Watsonx AI Labs and IBM’s new Manhattan offices. The startup previously raised around $10 million from investors such as Battery Ventures, Conviction Partners, and NJP Ventures.
The acquisition supports IBM’s broader push into enterprise AI, a strategy that has fueled strong performance. The company’s Q1 earnings exceeded expectations, driven by growth in software and rising demand for AI tools.
Watsonx AI Labs will serve as a collaborative hub for IBM researchers and engineers to develop and deploy AI solutions tailored to business needs. According to IBM GM of Data and AI Ritika Gunnar, the initiative aims to attract top AI talent and foster innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.
“[W]atsonx AI Labs is where the best AI developers gain access to world-class engineers and resources and build new businesses and applications,” IBM GM of Data and AI Ritika Gunnar said in a statement. “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.”
The accelerator will also partner with local universities and research institutions and offer selected startups access to IBM resources, mentorship, and potential investment from IBM Ventures and its $500 million enterprise AI fund.
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