From Apple To Microsoft: The Top 10 Acquirers Of AI, ML Firms

June 30, 2023, 08:30 AM EDT

Ten tech companies have acquired a total of more than 100 artificial intelligence and machine learning companies since 2017. Here’s the 10 companies that have purchase the most AI and ML companies, according to a new PitchBook report.

No. 9: IBM

Number Of AI & ML Acquisitions Since 2017: 8

Since Arvind Krishna became CEO in April 2020, IBM has acquired more than 30 companies, focused on bolstering its hybrid cloud and AI capabilities. Some of IBM’s key AI and ML acquisitions over the past few years include data observability software provider Databand.ai; AI observability and application provider Instana; and Turbonomic’s in a move to build out IBM’s AI for IT operations [AIOps] tools.

Most Recent AI & ML Acquisition: Although not officially completed, IBM unveiled its plan in June to spend $4.6 billion to acquire software company Apptio with plans to combine Apptio’s FinOps [financial and operational IT management and organization] software with its Watsonx AI Platform.

Learn More: Mergers and Acquisitions | AI | Machine Learning | Generative AI

Mark Haranas

Mark Haranas is an assistant news editor and longtime journalist now covering cloud, multicloud, software, SaaS and channel partners at CRN. He speaks with world-renown CEOs and IT experts as well as covering breaking news and live events while also managing several CRN reporters. He can be reached at mharanas@thechannelcompany.com.