Salesforce predicts machine learning future

Salesforce, a US-based cloud computing company, has acquired PredictionIO, the machine learning company that is backed by Stanford StartX.

StartX is a non-profit organisation that supports startups and spinouts with a link to Stanford University. Financial details of PredictionIO’s acquisition by Salesforce have not been disclosed.

PredictionIO has created an open source machine learning server that allows data scientists to build and use predictive applications. This can be used, for example, in estimating customer lifetime value to a business.

Salesforce plans to use PredictionIO’s technology to extend its machine learning capabilities.

In 2014, the company raised $2.5m from investors such as StartX Azure Capital, QuestVP, Crunchfund, Kima Ventures, IronFire, Sood Ventures and XG Ventures.

Simon Chan, chief executive and co-founder of PredictionIO, said: “Over the past few years, we have been on a mission to scale and simplify development of machine learning technology.

“What started as a passion project quickly grew into much more – now with a community of more than 8000 developers powering more than 400 apps. We are so thankful for this community and the support you have given us.”