Samsung Bolsters AI Capabilities with Acquisition of UK’s Oxford Semantic Technologies
In a strategic move highlighted by the Samsung acquisition Oxford Semantic Technologies, the company aims to enhance its artificial intelligence offerings, Samsung Electronics has acquired Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup specializing in knowledge graph technology. The deal, announced on July 18, 2024, marks Samsung’s latest effort to solidify its position in the competitive AI landscape[1][2].
Oxford Semantic Technologies, founded in 2017 by Oxford University professors Ian Horrocks (Fellow, Oriel College), Boris Motik (Senior Research Fellow, Somerville College) , and Bernardo Cuenca Grau (Tutorial Fellow, Keble College), has developed RDFox, an advanced AI-centric engine that optimizes data processing and enables sophisticated reasoning both in the cloud and on devices[1][4].
Samsung has further enhanced its AI capabilities through the acquisition of UK-based company Oxford Semantic Technologies. This strategic move allows Samsung to tap into Oxford Semantic Technologies’ advanced semantic AI technology, bolstering its AI-driven products and services. With this acquisition, Samsung strengthens its position in the AI market and demonstrates its commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
The startup’s expertise in knowledge representation and semantic reasoning aligns perfectly with Samsung’s ambitions to deliver more personalized AI experiences across its product range[2]. The high-performance knowledge graph and semantic reasoning engine is a key IP that will bolster Samsungs core AI capability.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Oxford Semantic Technologies had previously secured investment from Samsung Ventures, the tech giant’s investment arm, as part of their ongoing collaboration since 2018[2][4]. The company was also backed by Oxford Science Enterprises and Oxford University Innovation[6] and had raised over $3 million.
Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Head of Samsung Research and CTO of Samsung Electronics, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “Samsung’s acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies is another important step forward as we strive to deliver tailor-made AI experiences built upon our hallmark technological innovation”[1][4].
The deal was facilitated by legal teams on both sides. Payne Hicks Beach, led by Corporate Partner Jonathan Gatward and Associate Jamie Telling, represented a longstanding client shareholder in Oxford Semantic Technologies. Allen & Overy Shearman acted for Samsung in the transaction[10][11].
Why the Samsung Acquisition Oxford Semantic Technologies Matter
Samsung’s acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies is part of Samsung’s broader strategy to strengthen its AI capabilities. Over the past five years, Samsung has been actively acquiring AI startups to bolster its technological prowess. While exact figures are not available, the company has made several strategic investments and acquisitions in the AI space, including the purchase of Viv Labs in 2016, which formed the basis for its Bixby virtual assistant[2][5].
Samsung’s AI strategy extends beyond mobile devices to its entire product ecosystem, including televisions and home appliances. By integrating Oxford Semantic Technologies’ knowledge graph capabilities with its existing on-device AI technology, Samsung aims to create hyper-personalized user experiences while ensuring data privacy and security[1][4].
The deal also highlights the potential opportunity at hand for ensuring that the path for University Spin outs is clear and advantaged. This was taken on by an independent review of University Spin-outs headed by by Professor Irene Tracey and Dr Andrew Williamson at the request of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. Oxford University had recently improved conditions for Spin-outs by:
- Revising its Oxford’s founder equity policy in 2021 to 80% for founder academics and 20% for the University (pre-money, fully dilutable).
- Oxford University Innovation (OUI) in partnership with Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) created a Spinout Express Licence to facilitate fast and effective IP licencing into spinouts. This option is open to all spinout companies and is widely adopted.
Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, saying, “By integrating Samsung’s expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung’s customers with even more sophisticated personalization”[1][4].
As the AI race heats up among tech giants, Samsung’s acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. With this strategic investment, Samsung is poised to enhance its AI offerings and deliver more intelligent, personalized experiences to consumers across its product range.
Sources
[1] Samsung to acquire British AI startup Oxford Semantic https://nationaltechnology.co.uk/Samsung_To_Acquire_British_AI_Startup_Oxford_Semantic.php
[2] Samsung to acquire UK-based knowledge graph startup Oxford … https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/18/samsung-to-acquire-uk-based-knowledge-graph-startup-oxford-semantic-technologies/
[3] Oxford Semantic Technologies Information – RocketReach https://rocketreach.co/oxford-semantic-technologies-profile_b45ae2e4fc5b709e
[4] Achieving AI Dominance: Samsung Acquires Oxford Semantic … https://maadvisor.com/maalerts/samsungs-ai-dominance-soars-with-game-changing-acquisition-of-oxford-semantic-technologies-revolutionizing-the-business-landscape/
[5] Samsung ramps up AI capabilities with Oxford Semantic … – ITPro https://www.itpro.com/business/acquisition/samsung-ramps-up-ai-capabilities-with-oxford-semantic-technologies-acquisition
[6] Oxford Spinout Oxford Semantic Technologies acquired by … https://www.oxfordscienceenterprises.com/news/oxford-spinout-oxford-semantic-technologies-acquired-by-samsung-electronics
[7] Samsung buys Oxford Semantic and its knowledge graph tech https://www.theregister.com/2024/07/18/samsung_acquires_oxford_semantic/
[8] Samsung Electronics Announces Acquisition of Oxford Semantic … https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-announces-acquisition-of-oxford-semantic-technologies-uk-based-knowledge-graph-startup
[9] Samsung Electronics Announces Acquisition of Oxford Semantic … https://www.oxfordsemantic.tech/blog/samsung-electronics-announces-acquisition-of-oxford-semantic-technologies-uk-based-knowledge-graph-startup
[10] Acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies by Samsung Electronics https://www.phb.co.uk/article/acquisition-of-oxford-semantic-technologies-by-samsung-electronics/
[11] Corporate Solicitor – Commercial Lawyer – Payne Hicks Beach https://www.phb.co.uk/service/corporate-solicitors/
