THE Unicorn Parade: 7 Generative AI Hotshots

Upcoming AI Trends and H-town based Events to Watch for This Week

Author

Oleg Lysiak
May 22, 2023

THE Unicorn Parade: 7 Generative AI Hotshots

Credit - Forrest Gump Movie

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the head-spinning whirl of the Generative AI industry. It's a vibrant landscape where unicorns aren't mythical but game-changers charging toward the billion-dollar mark.

Here's the lowdown on seven transformative companies, each boasting valuations so high they'd give you a nosebleed. These aren't your run-of-the-mill setups. They're trendsetters, trailblazers, and architects reshaping the AI industry with relentless gusto. Buckle up, Rocket Networkers!

Focus: AI research and Advancement

HQ: San Francisco

Raised: $11.3B

Leading the pack, we've got OpenAI, the San Francisco titan that's not just part of the conversation; they're setting the agenda. Their mission statement is not merely words but action - pushing AI to serve humanity, not rule over it. Recall the ominous artificial intelligence, Skynet, from the cinematic universe of The Terminator? It's an imperative mission for them to ensure every possible measure is taken to prevent the advent of such a potentially disastrous reality. Their valuation? A cool $29 billion, thanks to their focus on advancing AI.

The big news? Their ChatGPT app is now available on iOS, showing that they're dead serious about mainstreaming AI. Next in line? Android. Keep your eyes peeled!

Focus: Text Generation

HQ: San Francisco

Raised: $704 million

Not to be outdone, we have Anthropic, another San Fran power-player, boasting a $4.4 billion valuation. Anthropic is the embodiment of innovation, showing us that text generation isn't just about creating; it's about safety and interpretation.

Their ingenuity has been recognized by Zoom, leading to a partnership that'll see Claude, Anthropic’s AI assistant, integrated into Zoom's platform. This marriage of AI and communication is set to revolutionize how we collaborate online.

Focus: NLP

HQ: Toronto

Raised: $415 million

Moving north, we land in Toronto, home to Cohere. They're not just playing the NLP game; they're reshaping it, giving businesses a new, intuitive way to explore and generate information. Their valuation stands tall at $2 billion, showcasing their vision and determination.

What's more, they're on a mission to democratize NLP learning with their LLM University, a comprehensive resource hub for anyone looking to dabble in NLP. It's an invitation to join the AI revolution and start building your own applications.

Focus: Open Source ML

HQ: New York

Raised: $160 million

Next up, we have Hugging Face, the New York-based darling of the ML world. They're home to state-of-the-art models, boasting a $160 million raise. Their open-source approach is a clarion call to the community to collaborate and innovate in ML.

Proof of their success? They've racked up 100k stars on GitHub, a standing testament to the reach of ML and the community's unwavering commitment to innovation.

Focus: AI Image Generation

HQ: Israel

Raised: $335 million

From the sandy shores of Israel, we have Lighttricks, pioneers in AI Image Generation, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between imagination and content creation. They're not just making waves; they're causing a tsunami with their staggering $335 million raise.

Recently, they announced that their photo editing AI tools are available on Android via the Photoleap app. I've been using it to craft my meme empire, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of incredible!

Focus: Creative AI tools

HQ: New York

Raised: $2.12 million

Back to New York, we encounter Runway, the in-browser creative toolbox that's changing the way we design. They've secured $2.12 million, offering an impressive suite of AI Magic Tools designed to ideate, generate, and edit content like never before.

Their latest breakthrough? Text to video - if you can say it, now you can see it. They're pushing boundaries and creating new possibilities for content creators.

Focus: Creative AI Assistance

HQ: Austin

Raised: $131 million

Rounding off our list, we have Jasper, the Texan underdog, causing a stir in the Creative AI Assistance realm. With a valuation of $131 million, they're on a mission to create on-brand content for businesses.

I have a soft spot for this Austin-based company - and not just because of its innovative approach to AI. Their Texan roots give them a unique charm in this race. Their AI assistant learns and adapts to your brand's tone, ensuring your content is always on-brand. Plus, their top-tier security protocols keep your data safe and private.

There you have it, amigos. The top seven generative AI tools that are smashing it in the AI sector. They're all pushing the boundaries and driving massive change in their respective fields. You see, what's great about this AI evolution is how it's fostering creativity and innovation. We're entering into a world where AI isn't just about numbers and codes, it's about imagination and creation. These companies aren't just sitting back and following the status quo - they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

And this is just the beginning. We're standing on the edge of a whole new world where the power of AI will become more integral in our daily lives. And guess what? It's not a far-off, distant future - it's happening right now, and these seven companies are leading the charge.

We're moving from AI being a buzzword and something that only large corporations can afford, to becoming a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, solopreneurs, content creators - you name it - everyone can leverage the power of AI, thanks to these tools.

Look, if you're not already implementing these tools in your business, it's time to get on the bandwagon. Don't just sit there and watch as others are making the most of these advances. Get involved, get your hands dirty, and see how AI can help propel your business forward. This is the time to embrace the AI revolution.

In closing, I want to leave you with this - AI is not just a tool, it's an extension of your creativity. So, let your imagination run wild, and let these tools help you bring your ideas to life. Happy creating!

Credit - Forrest Gump Movie

SO NOW, LET’S ROCKET NETWORK!

We are using emojis to guide subscribers in our event list 📅📍

🌶️🔥- something hot

🚀🚀🚀 - must attend

🤓💻 - good for developers and other technical folks

🦄💰- venture Capital and investing related

⚡- energy-related

♻️- renewable energy and sustainability-related

🏥 - health care related

🪖 - veteran or military related

🏅 - sports tech

HERE ARE MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK


Monday, May 22

Tuesday, May 23

🚀🚀🚀Bayou City Startups May Happy Hour🌶️🔥

Wednesday, May 24

Thursday, May 25

Friday, May 26

🚀🚀🚀 Cup of Joey

Community Ask and Founder Spotlight

Imagine a company that's hacking safety, taking rescue and emergency solutions to another level. That's Rescunomics. They're not just making your standard safety equipment; they're innovating, integrating cutting-edge tech to supercharge safety for people and facilities.Rescunomics is like the Batman of emergency preparedness, turning the industry on its head, and redefining what we think is possible in the safety space.If this fires you up, hit up my friend Emmanuel Joel. He's the guy who can get you involved. As they say, the only thing better than watching a revolution is being part of one. Get involved, make a difference, be a part of the Rescunomics story.

Meet, Michael Finn, a seasoned product manager with a background in tech and gaming giants like Amazon, Activision, and Fidelity. I was introduced to him through Christine Galib at the Ion Activation Festival. Currently, he's open to new opportunities, bringing a wealth of experience in game development. If you or anyone you know is looking for an accomplished product manager, definitely consider reaching out to Michael. His expertise could be a powerful catalyst for your team.

Gear up for the annual 40-acre conference and minority Code Launch a gathering like no other! If you're curious, here's a glimpse of what they achieved last year with the launch of Minority Code. Please check out this video, it is truly inspiring. To get involved this year, reach out to Allen Thornton, our incredible organizer. Your participation would be immensely valuable in any capacity. Allan would love to hear from you! Thank you for your support. Together, we are shaping the future, empowering the next generation, and making a meaningful difference.

Let's talk about FitLift. They're not just a fitness tech company; they're a secret weapon for college sports teams. FitLift's mission is simple but powerful: help teams clinch more victories by boosting their athletes' gym performance and minimizing injury risk. Their secret sauce? A cutting-edge wearable device and smartphone integration that tracks motion and provides real-time technical execution feedback to trainers. FitLift doesn't just help trainers monitor their athletes; it empowers them to maintain safe distances and reinforce accountability. But what makes FitLift really stand out is its future-ready approach. This platform is advanced enough to meet and even anticipate the training methods of tomorrow. It's not just about staying in the game; it's about leading the pack. If you're interested in joining the revolution in athletic performance training, FitLift is where you should be looking.

Check out Motif Neurotech, it’s an innovative company revolutionizing the future of healthcare and neural tech. Pioneering the fusion of efficient wireless power and data, Motif Neurotech has unlocked extraordinary possibilities for new, miniature implants. These implants are designed to stimulate tissues and offer diagnostic readings, opening up a world of advanced healthcare solutions. Often likened to Houston's very own Neuralink, Motif Neurotech is at the forefront of minimally invasive electronic solutions, specifically targeting mental health. This cutting-edge approach not only underscores the strides being made in neurotechnology but also emphasizes the significant potential of Houston as a burgeoning hub for medical technology innovation. With Motif Neurotech, the future of mental health care is promising, accessible, and resilient.

Introducing Hakeem (Olaleke-Teejay) Tijani, the driving force behind TechForAfrica Connect. This vibrant community of African entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech professionals is working to boost Africa's tech infrastructure. They offer a robust networking platform, facilitating idea exchange and extending support to startups within the African tech landscape.TechForAfrica's mission is ambitious and impactful: they aim to secure funding for Africa's tech startups, and are committed to training 100,000 youths and women across Africa. Their focus is nurturing talent, specifically targeting coders and developers via their innovative PitchAthlon program. For anyone interested in propelling Africa's tech industry forward, connecting with Hakeem is a must.

Imagine an arena where digital advertising is more than just pop-ups and banner ads. That's where FanEase comes in. They've built a tech platform that morphs existing broadcast real estate into a dynamic landscape of digital video advertising units. But here's the kicker - these aren't just random ads; they're tailor-made to fortify the bond between brands and users. FanEase isn't just changing the game, they're redefining the entire playing field of digital advertising. If this sparks your interest, you've got to connect with Kevin Cooper. This is your chance to be part of a revolution, a chance to redefine digital advertising. If you're in, Kevin's the guy to talk to. Go on, dive in and let's redefine the future together with FanEase.

That’s all for now, HOU-preneurs. Don’t forget to tell your friends - “If you want to stay ahead of the curve and be a part of the hottest startup community in Houston, you must be a part of Rocket Network.”

Cheers!

- Oleg

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