Emily Fontaine, the global head of IBM Ventures, oversees a $500 million venture fund focusing on AI and quantum computing. IBM Ventures has made 23 strategic investments in tech startups like Hugging Face and Reality Defender, emphasizing partnerships with B2B companies that fit into IBM’s ecosystem. Fontaine highlights the “capital-plus” model, which leverages IBM’s client network at a 90% collaboration rate with portfolio companies. Investments are evaluated based on product potential, ecosystem partnership, and industry disruption. With AI integration, IBM anticipates saving $4.5 billion in operating costs. In quantum computing, IBM prioritizes software solutions, particularly in finance, where banks seek “quantum safe” defenses to secure data. Notable exits include acquisitions of Gem Security and Lightspin, marking successful outcomes for the fund. Fontaine reports satisfaction with the returns, although specific figures remain undisclosed. Overall, IBM Ventures continues to innovate at the intersection of AI and quantum technologies.
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