Your Tech Story

Inspiration

BenevolentAI

BenevolentAI: Bringing Innovation in the Field of Bioscience

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, Founder, Inspiration, start-up, Story, Tech Story / By

Artificial Intelligence is a wonder that people would have laughed about two decades ago, but today, this technology is attracting almost every other type of field. In the past, futuristic sci-fi movies did give us a glimpse of AI in the form of flying cars and automated homes, etc. But we did not know that this technology will be here so soon, making a mark in every category in the world. After bringing a revolution in the field of technology, automobile, and more, medicine and pharmaceutical companies are also up for investing in AI and machine learning to make their research and drug discovery even better and faster. One such drug discovery startup is BenevolentAI.

BenevolentAI

BenevolentAI is a London-based drug discovery startup, that has adopted Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to speed up medicinal research and reduce the overall cost to half. The company was founded by Ken Mulvany on 13 November 2013, in London with co-founders Michael Brennan and Ivan Griffin. It uses AI technology such as pattern recognition to find a match for existing genetic, metabolic, and clinical information in order to develop new drugs. According to the founder, the drug discovery industry has a vast amount of information, that is impossible to handle by humans alone, so using AI, this information can not only stored but also be used to target different diseases.

Most of the clinical trials are focused on hypotheses for a particular disease, but with the AI technology at BenevolentAI, the existing research is used for finding a new disease to target and for which the existing hypothesis fits the best. This way there is no waste of time in discovering a new compound from scratch, but the drugmakers can jump straight to the clinical trials to find new drug candidates from existing information. The company uses AI combined with the expertise of qualified scientists to make sure that the end result is effective.

Ken Mulvany founded the company with a target to find a cure for ALS and Alzheimer’s using AI, and in 2021, the company will also be starting clinical trials for excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease in the US. The company currently has got 90 people working for it in the UK and US. In September 2016, only after four years of its founding, it raised $1.4 billion, becoming a unicorn. In 2018, the company raised another $115 million and valued at $2 billion. Benevolent AI has also acquired the UK operations of Proximagen for an undisclosed sum.

Idea Behind BenevolentAI

BenevolentAI is a machine intelligence company with an aim to develop drugs for every existing disease in the world with the help of artificial intelligence. The company is focusing on using AI to mine and analyze the already existing biochemical information to develop new drugs for the diseases. According to Jackie Hunter, the Board director at BenevolentAI, every 30 seconds a research paper is published, and 95% of them fail. There is vast information about discovery and research for drugs that are going in vain. It takes about ten years and over $2.5 billion to develop, test, and get ‘the drug’ for a particular disease, but with AI and machine learning the time and the cost of producing a drug can be reduced by 30% to 50%.

BenevolentAI collects the already existing drug research data that was for a particular condition but could not yield the desired results. Though the research might have failed for a certain disease, BenevolentAI uses the same research and clinical trials data to test for other diseases, such that the deep research will not go waste, and the existing information is used to find new drug candidate for other diseases.

The Founder

Ken Mulvany has got more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and investor. Currently, he sits as the Chairman of BenevolentAI. Before Benevolent AI, Mulvany also founded another biotech company named Proximagen and served as the CEO of the company. Proximagen was into developing the drugs for central nervous system disorders.  Mulvany sold Proximagen in 2012 to Upsher-Smith Laboratories for $553million.

BenevolentAI Founder
Image Source: miro.medium.com

Today, Mulvany is a member of various advisory boards of different organizations, including the UK Government on Artificial Intelligence and the Oxford Sciences Innovations advisory boards. Apart from that, he chaired the Trustees of the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and is also a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence.

Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications – See how Father-Son Duo helped in commercializing the Radio industry in Canada

Leave a Comment / Founder, Inspiration, start-up, Story, Tech Story / By

Canada-based Rogers Communications is primarily operating in the field of wireless communications for a long time. The inventor of the AC heater filament cathode, Edward Rogers Sr. built the strong foundation of Rogers Communications, and the legacy is continued by his son Edward Jr. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the firm us providing miscellaneous service in internet connectivity, cable television, and other telecommunication and mass media-related service.

In Canada, Rogers’s communications is a tough rival of Bell Canada, Telus, and Shaw Communications. As well, it is one of the communications providers in a region which dominates the market. Presently, it has many subsidiaries like Rogers Bank, Rogers Cable, Chatr, and Fido Solution. Rogers Telecom, Rogers Sports & Media, and Rogers Wireless are also some of the subsidiaries of the firm.

Rogers Communications Backstory

The roots of the foundation of Rogers’s communications were found in the establishment of the CFTO television station. Prior to that, Edward Rogers Sr. had enabled radios that can be powered by electric current. It was the result of his invention, the AC heater filament cathode for radio tube changed the whole scenario. This invention brought revolution and did a crucial role in commercializing radio reception. After establishing the CFRB radio station, he also focused on Television. But unfortunately, he died in the middle of his radar experiment.  Thereafter, his son Edward Jr. also known as Ted decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In the year 1960, Edward Jr. and his friend Joel Aldred acquired an FM radio station CHFI. Plus, this duo later established CFTO-TV as the foremost television station own by a private company. Back in 1967, they started Rogers Cable which was later renamed Rogers Communications in 1986. Just within 20 years, the firm has achieved popularity in the market. It also purchased the Canada based cable system in 1979. Thereafter, the firm has marked its name in the list of Toronto Stock Exchange.

The masterminds behind Rogers Communications success

Rogers Communications
Image Source: rogers.com

Edward Rogers Junior

Ted Rogers also famous as Edward Rogers Jr. has continued the legacy of his father and flourish the business built on his father’s dream. Apart from being a well-known businessman, he is a philanthropist and was among the richest persons in Canada. Born to a scientist and businessman, Ted also put his best efforts to follow the path of his father. Coming to his education, he attended Upper Canada College, Trinity College, and Osgoode Hall Law school. While studying, Ted purchased the shares in the home-grown radio station CHFI. After several hard works, he could collect the money to fulfill the dream venture of Mr. Edward Sr.    

Besides serving as a long time CEO and president at Rogers Communications, he was also appointed at several reputed positions. Such as the Grade of Officer of the order of Canada. He had been honored with the Golden Plate Award in 1990. It is one of the highest awards given by the American Academy of Achievement. As well, both father and son were inducted into the Telecommunication Hall of Fame of Canada.

Present CEO- Joe Natale

He is serving as the president and CEO at Rogers Communications. Joe Natale is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Communications. Prior to that, he served as Telus corporation’s CEO and President. He has put his efforts into building the globally recognized firm that Telus is today. After working at several leading firms in the wireless telecommunication industry, he is now driving the business of Rogers Communications. However, Joe entered the telecommunication industry in 1987, as an employee of Accenture. At that time, Rogers Communications was a dream company of many, which he became an important part of after working at several firms.

Studied at the University of Waterloo, Joe has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. Apart from that, he along with his wife involved in many social works.  He is one of the board trustees at Toronto’s Hospital for sick children. As well, the couple supports many arts and healthcare initiatives. Joe was also honored with the Top 40 under 40 Award, Canada.

Bottom Line

Today, Rogers Communications is one of the dominant wireless communication service providers in Canada. With the long list of old clients in telephony services, high-speed internet services, and other IT services, the firm has also followed the trends to acquire new customers. The firm has been not only dominating the Canadian wireless industry but also is one of the tough competitors in the international market.

Charter Communications

Charter Communications – Journey to deliver high-speed broadband service even after lots of obstacles in the way

Leave a Comment / Inspiration, Story, Tech Story / By

An American telecommunication firm, Charter Communications Inc. is a well-known mass media company. It has more than 26 million consumers in almost 41 states in the USA, making it the second-largest cable operator in America. As well as the firm has been recognized as the third-largest pay-TV operator in the country. Apart from that, Charter Communications ranks fifth as the largest telephone provider as per the residential subscriber line count. The journey to achieve this level in business has never been easy for the founders and the firm. Started in 1993, Charter Communications has experienced many hustles and went through lots of controversies. However, the firm proved that with excellent service and continuous efforts, any company can make a stand, despite all odds.

About Charter Communications Inc.

Charter Communications is well-known broadband connectivity and cable operator in the USA. With more than 30 million customers, it is also NASDAQ listed firm. Over the years, the firm has been providing communications and entertainment solutions to personal and commercial users. It also offers multiple services like cable video programming, premium channels, and online video services. Also, it is the ultimate stop for services like telephone services, sports content, internet services, and several others.

Through the spectrum band, Charter Communications has enabled broadband connectivity in 41 states in America. With this spectrum business of charter, communication fulfills the needs of small and medium-sized firms. As well, it provides broadband service and products to large businesses including some government entities also. Moreover, the firm has listed at number 70 in the Fortune 500 list, 2019.

The founders in the limelight

Jerald L. Kent

He is a well-established entrepreneur and businessman in the telecommunication industry. Apart from working at Charter Communications, Kent also served as TierPoint’s CEO. As well, he was the CEO of Cequell III.

Barry Babcock

He was born in Minneapolis and brought up in Oklahoma City. Belonging to a lower-middle-class family, he had to left highschool for some personal reasons. However, he continued education at the University of Oklahoma. When Barry entered the cable industry, he had nothing. In fact, he had to borrow money to invest in Charter Communications.

Howard L. Wood

He is one of the founding members of Charter Communications. As well, he helped in setting Cequel III in 2002. Before that, he served as CEO at Centcom Cable Associates.

The backstory of foundation

Charter Communications
Image Source: deadline.com

The firm has originally started as Charter Communications CATV systems in 1980. However, in 1993, Howard Wood, Barry Babcock, and Jerald Kent made it exceptional under the name Charter Communications Inc. Since then the firm has flourished dramatically which turned out pioneering in the field of the cable industry. Today, it is one of the inseparable parts of the high-tech cable industry.

Growing the business

It was started in the era, where the cable network was started from hilltops and ending at homes. Over the period, this cable business has morphed into a much advance and high-tech cable industry. While Charter Communications also evolved and is in the leading position today. Through several mergers and acquisitions, the firm has time to time to fulfill the requirements of consumers. In fact, to do so, it has done over 10 major acquisitions in the late 20 century. The firm has acquired subscribers from dozens of cable system providers in the USA. Includes, 4 lakh subscribers from InterMedia Partners, and 4 Lakh and 60K subscribers from Interlink communications. Additionally, it acquired leading firms like Renaissance Media Group, Helicon Cable Communications, Vista Broadband Communications, etc.

Charter Communications implemented one more new strategy i.e., swapping customers. To improve geographic clustering the firm has swapped its customers with many leading cable service providers. One such customer exchange was made with AT&T corporation in 1999.

Controversies

The firm received lots of criticism in its history. Even it was listed as worst among 14 major internet service providers by PC World. As per the consumer report 2008, it was marked as the worst of national carriers. As well, the US department of justice investigated the Charter in 2002 for a lawsuit filed against the firm. Several other financial lawsuits have also filed on Charter Communication.

Later Success

Currently, the firm has grown its cable network to more than 7.5 lakh miles, fulfilling the needs of more than 30 million consumers. The vast infrastructure of Charter Communications is now offering faster broadband, which once accused of providing the worst network. As well, it has enabled many other services like voice, telephone, and offers the best customer support. Being the leading broadband connectivity firm, the Charter is providing innovative services with the best customer satisfaction.

Realme Logo

Realme – Born out of Sky Li’s vision to deliver new-generation smartphones.

Leave a Comment / Founder, Inspiration, start-up, Story, Tech Story / By

The mobile industry is one of the most important industries all over the world. In fact, it keeps growing and prospering for a long period. Many Asian companies have gained recognition in this industry. Like a Chinese smartphone, Realme has gain popularity in minimal duration. A Shenzhen based mobile firm Realme is the best example of a new brand that competing well-developed brands like Xiaomi.

How the firm made it possible in a very short duration? Well, there is one simple tactic, provide more features and better value at an affordable price. So that customers can get the desired value for the money they are investing. Apparently, Realme’s founder Sky li has implemented this universal fact to create trust in the smartphone market. As a result, within a year of establishment, the firm has entered an international market as well as captured a large part of China’s market. Presently, Realme is popular in the smartphone markets of South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. As well, it is growing the presence in the market of Egypt, Italy, Spain, France, England, and Russia.

Backstory of Realme

Today it is known as Realme but it entered the market as an OPPO Real in 2010. It was one of the sub-brands of OPPO electronics. However, the former vice president at OPPO Mr. Sky Li resigned from the post and found the independent smartphone company, Realme.

That’s how Realme started in 2018, with a new brand logo and new vision to provide stylish yet new technology-based smartphones. Just in one year, it entered officially in the Chinese market with brand new models Realme X and Realme X lite. By the end of the year 2019, the firm had successfully entered 20 smartphone markets.  Includes China, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. As well, become the no. 1 emerging brand.

About Realme

A well-known businessman Sky Li set up Realme in 2018. It is based on the vision to provide new generation smartphones having superior experience. Due to the use of cut edge technology, the newly launched Realme has successfully stood out in the market. As well, it brings the smartphone models full of trendsetting technologies, and features that give trendsetting experience at affordable prices.

Realme Founder Sky Li
Image Source: fonearena.com

With the hard work and head to head competition, Realme proved its significance in the global market. In spite of strong competitors like Samsung, Nokia, Xiaomi, and of course Oppo gained the trust of customers. In India, the firm has given a tough competition to Redmi.

The strategy to conquer over other brands

There are dozens of mobile manufacturers in China that focused on channel marketing and offline distribution. While realme focused on online from the beginning. It directly steps in the market in competition with Xiaomi neglecting other numerous small brands. On the online platform, Realme made available the mobile phones with similar features and price segment with Xiaomi. Thus, the consumer got the chance to choose between two brands. Earlier, only Xiaomi’s models were dominating the market which got a new competitor. Knowing that online shopping is preferable by many, brands sold smartphones only on an online platform for one year.

Glimpse to founders life

Sky Li is a founder of Realme who also served as a vice president of Oppo. As well, he was the head of the overseas business of Oppo for a long time. LI shared a great contribution to exploring the business of Oppo in 3 markets covering 31 countries. In 2018, he resigned and established a new brand Realme.

Later succes of Realme

Realme always amazed consumers with cut edge technology that reflects in its smartphone models. At the beginning of this year, the firm has announced a new strategy AIoT plus smartphone. It is known as dual driven strategy. With this, the firm has safe its side in changing the smartphone market. Presently, more than 35 million smartphone users use Realme’s models. As per Counterpoint global smartphone shipment, Realme is no. 7 emerging brands as well as ranks first in the international market.

The firm set an example for emerging brands. Using innovation and a unique marketing strategy, it stands in competition with its many other rivals. In fact, it is developing innovative and variety of cell phones in various ranges of price.

blippar

Blippar- Jessica Butcher’s innovative firm to deliver the next level of Augmented Reality.

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, Augmented Reality, Founder, Inspiration, Tech Story / By

Blippar is a well-know augmented reality platform, assisting thousands of brands and retailers. In a very short duration, the firm has attracted 100 Million dollars plus funding. As well, it acquired leading brands as a client.

Jessica Butcher and her other business partners set up the firm back in 2011. Since then, the firm has been pushing the boundaries of what is possible in augmented reality. To improvise the service it managed to acquire the leading AR company called Layer. Blippar has helped numerous brands and retailers with advanced AR platform.

More About Blippar

It is one of the dominant firms on earth in the field of Augmented reality and AI. In fact, after acquiring the pioneer firm of AR, it remarked it’s presence on the international level. Top brands like Nestle, GSK, PepsiCo, Porsche are the clients of Blippar. As well, dozen of emerging brands uses its technology to create an exciting and convincing experience. Till now, Blippar has enhanced everyday life with Augmented Reality, as well, it continues.

Over the period, it improved the service and enable access to the AR ecosystem. So, its products and services match the needs of its clients.

Acquisition strategy

Understanding the need of clients and the increasing popularity of AR, Blippar used an acquisition strategy to explore the business. One of the noticeable acquisitions by Blippar is Layer. Because it was a pioneer firm in AR. With this acquisition, Blippar is ready to meet the requirements of the growing AR industry. In 2015, the firm has also invested in WaveOptics. So, the development of low energy lenses will increase. As these lenses can be fitted into an ordinary spectacle frame. Thus, the AR implementation will be easier.

Awards and Recognition

No doubt, Blippar has helped numerous brands and retailers with advanced AR platform. For its excellent research and innovation in Augmented Reality, it is honored with many awards. Such as CNN remarked it as one of the fastest-growing companies. Moreover, Forbes also recognized it as one of the fasted growing companies. In fact, Blippar managed to keep the name in the list of most disruptive companies for three consecutive years. Also, Bloomberg honored it as a top Business Innovator. And of course as a most innovative AR/VR company, Fast Company.

Glimpse to founder’s life-Jessica Butcher

She is a technology entrepreneur, angel investor, and NED. As well, having a demonstrable track record of building ambitious, fast-growth businesses from scratch over the last 15 years. Jessica is co-founder of several award-winning businesses. In fact, her businesses have raised $100M plus cumulatively and challenged their respective industries.

Jessica Butcher
Image Source: twitter.com

Apart from that, she is an experienced public speaker and media commentator on the subjects of entrepreneurialism. Moreover, she is the well-known women in business and technology, mobile and technology trends, digital harms and detox, etc.

Education and Early Career

Jessica attended the University of Oxford to study MA Ancient & Modern History. While she attended King Edwards Birmingham for primary education. At the age of 17, she did a part-time job as a cashier at the petrol station. However, she worked at many top positions after that. She is one of the founding members of Tick Done. It is a Micro-video platform for peer-to-peer sharing of ‘how-to’ knowledge.

Other Business Ventures

Moreover, she was a Non-Executive Director at Azoomee. The only multimedia entertainment service for children that offers 1,000s of interactive games, videos, and audiobooks in one safe place. It is age-appropriate; parent-approved messaging; and no advertising. Plus she founded Integritour in 2010.  First tour company to cover the Western region. Also, she worked at a lead position in Business Development & Marketing EMEA at Alibaba.com. There, Jessica managed supplier-side marketing throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In fact, she is appreciable of getting 100,000 new business suppliers to the platform within a year.

Triumph of Jessica

She is awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List. As well, she is named as one of the ‘Inspiring 50’- the most inspiring women in European tech in 2016. Moreover, Jessica marked her name in BBC’s international list of ‘100 Women’ in 2014, Fortune Magazine’s global ‘Top 10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs’ in 2012. Moreover, she is the winner of the Natwest EveryWoman Iris tech award in 2013.

Square cash

Jack Dorsey – Journey from Twitter to Square Cash app development that changed the digital world.

Leave a Comment / Founder, Inspiration, Story, Tech Story, twitter / By

Square is a leading financial company in America. It’s a payment app called Square Cash is one of the useful apps that made card payment easier and handy. In fact, this app supports multiple devices like iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android devices. It works like a mini card reader and a person can swipe the card easily. The person behind setting up square Cash is Jack Dorsey.

A well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist hailed from America. He is also one of the founding members of Twitter. Presently, he is serving as the CEO of Square Cash.

Jack Dorsey Childhood And Early Day

He was born on 19 November 1976 and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. His father Tim was a worker at mass spectrometers. Belonging to the Catholic background, Jack raised in a Catholic environment. In fact, he studied at Catholic Bishop DuBourg High School.

During his teenage, he tried fashion modeling. As well, he was interested in dispatch routing. That time, he developed open source dispatch software. This software is still working and many taxicab firms rely on it.

Education

Jack attended the University of Missouri, Rolla. There he studied for almost two and a half years. Thereafter, he joined New York University, which he dropped out later on. While studying at New York University, the idea of Twitter popped into his mind.

Jack Dorsey
Image Source: usatoday.com

Early career

Dusting his early days of career, he worked as a dispatch programmer. He set up the firm related to this field in 2000. The company was located at Oakland, especially for couriers, and taxi dispatch services via the web.

As well, Jack tried Web-based realtime status communication service during these days. That time, instant messaging was new. After seeing the implementation of instant messaging, he thought to implement it in a different way. So that’s how Jack along with his friends set up Twitter. Today, Twitter is used by millions of users.

Jack Dorsey as Twitter’s CEO

At the start of Twitter, Jack Dorsey served as the CEO of Twitter. His role in developing Twitter is appreciable. Under his policies, the firm raised two rounds of investment. Initially, Twitter was not designed to earn a profit. However, Dorsey showed the use of Twitter as a Commercial App. Thus, making it popular among marketers, celebrities, and now influencers.

Sooner or later, he left the position to enjoy his life in his way. Jack’s interest in Fashion designing was still alive. After leaving the CEO position he focused on Fashion Design and Yoga.

Square Inc- Another business venture of Jack Dorsey

In 2010, he developed a unique payment platform called Square Cash. Jim McKelvey was the partner in business with Dorsey. It is located at Market Street in San Francisco They design a platform that can turn any mobile phone into a payment machine. Yes, it’s right. Through connecting a small device to phone(iPhone/Android) one can use it as a mini card reader. Thus, allowing to swipe cards easily. Also, it is useful to send paperless receipts. For that, it uses Email or simple text messages. Recently, the firm announces to open a bank in 2021.

Other work

Apart from being a well-experienced app developer, he served as a judge for NYC, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s NYC BigApps competition. As well, he was Democratic Party candidates’ on-record donor. He was also suggested to be the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company. Moreover, Jack is one of the board members of the Berggruen Institute’s Governance Center.

Awards and recognition

Jack is a recipient of the Crunchie award for the best mobile startup. As well, he was one of the 35 innovators in the world, under the age of 35. In 2012, the Wall Street Journal honored him with Innovator of the Year Award. In the same year, he was awarded as a Founder of the Year by TechCrunch. Moreover, he was remarked as the most eligible bachelor in 2013.

However, he shifted his focus from work to enjoy other pursuits of life. Thus, declining the business. Because of this, the Wall Street Journal announced him as the worst CEO of America in 2017. As well, Fox Business ranked him as a 4th worst CEO. But he gives his best to popularize Twitter and Square Cash. In fact, both apps have numerous users in the present situation.